Give me substance, please, not another cosmetic run!
17
Maybe her image game is not so contrived after all. Just a person trying to run for president. Maybe this is not a faux-humble approach, just her approach this time. Her message: I am going to try my hardest to connect with the real issues, not hide in my protected bubble. If it looks of fake to you, that's your problem. Maybe it's her way of preparing to be the best president she could be. I think the low-key tour is awesome and refreshing. What better way to peel away layers to get at the truth.
28
Hillary, better known as Democrat Cheney always hungry for power at any cost, is also burdened with being owned by Arab kings ... How can one vote for a puppet of Islamic fanatics, independent of gender, toughness, estrogen/testosterone ...
1998 - Bill Clinton: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky."
201? - Hillary Clinton: "I did not have financially corrupt relations with those men, their Royal Highness Kings."
1998 - Bill Clinton: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky."
201? - Hillary Clinton: "I did not have financially corrupt relations with those men, their Royal Highness Kings."
20
I think what Hilary needs to remember is that people are much more forgiving of flaws in a character than they are of phoney spin. Whoever she is, whatever she thinks, she needs to just be her authentic self, without apology and without worry. Who do people trust? They trust a person who trusts herself. Just be Hilary. If there's a road to the White House for her, authenticity will be her vehicle to get there.
18
Ms. Clinton must also hope that an enabler to a serial sexual predator can be the new spokesperson for victims of workplace abuse; a woman whose professional success came from riding her husband’s coattails to power can be the new champion for professional women who earned every rung on their way up the ladder; and a politician who takes money from the misogynistic rulers of countries like Saudi Arabia can be the new advocate for their female citizens. Or she can hope to be the new recipient of the left’s Clinton Exception.
25
Can't you deal with the issues instead of the "persons"
30
It seems that the argument rests squarely on personality and gender. We just did personality and race, and the results have been disastrous. Perhaps the argument should be about competence and what results each wants, and how they will go about achieving them. One thing I'm sure about is Hillary or a Right-winger, I'll need a helmet and a bunker. You can take it from there...
5
Hillary is the perennial victim. She is the consummate politician. Other than that I can't think of anything to say about her... OH YEAH... quite possibly an accomplice to the deaths of 4 Americans but I suppose I am racist or sexist or whatever for saying that.
17
"after she fell behind to a feminized man denouncing it. "
Obama could be called many things. But is he really a "feminized man"? I don't see him that way.
Obama could be called many things. But is he really a "feminized man"? I don't see him that way.
33
The headlines are about ISIS expanding to Libya to control access to Europe and Mrs. Wm J. Clinton is concerned with transgender and child rearing matters. I will vote for any GOP candidate but I hope that Martin O'Malley can actually wrest the nomination from her.
14
The theme of all of this analysis is, “Which lie about Hillary should her campaign project?” Even the most pleasing and focus-group-tested image will still be a lie. The truth is not one of the options. Hillary is an unreconstructed 60’s radical leftist who hates America, has adopted a Machiavellian style of politics, and sells influence to finance her agenda. Like many others of her political tradition, she has learned how to camouflage her image, forsaking the beads, T-shirts, hygienic underachievement, and ragged clothes; but the essence is unchanged.
14
We at least know what we will get, if we elect the Clintons. Jeb on the other hand is a Bush ,who has to modify his behaviour so he doesn not emulate his brother. These are probably going to be our choice's. The Democrats fear nominating anyone beside Bill and Hillary. The GOP is currently indecisive so they are marching out all flavors.
3
Candidates who survive the gauntlet of primaries to the general election need to 'be themselves' or at least comfortable in their own skin. JFK vs Nixon, Bush vs Gore, Obama vs Hillary, etc. There was always a quality of authenticity about them. They really didn't care what the 'beltway crowd' thought. Often they did the opposite.
That will always be Hillary's problem. It's one thing to talk with the 'average American'. It's another to actually empathize with them on a deeper level. Obama and Bush understood that, which is why they not only were elected, but why they were RE-elected.
If Hillary fails to understand that, she runs the risk of ending up like poor Al Gore. A smart and capable choice to be President, but who listened to too many advisers and ended up losing to a flawed but at least 'authentic' candidate.
That will always be Hillary's problem. It's one thing to talk with the 'average American'. It's another to actually empathize with them on a deeper level. Obama and Bush understood that, which is why they not only were elected, but why they were RE-elected.
If Hillary fails to understand that, she runs the risk of ending up like poor Al Gore. A smart and capable choice to be President, but who listened to too many advisers and ended up losing to a flawed but at least 'authentic' candidate.
10
A "demographically pandering presidential campaign video" -- imagine that!
16
It looks like without Elizabeth warren we will be forced to accept Hilary's faux progressive populism, hold our collective noses and vote for her. Her biggest fault as a politician is that she is a very poor liar.
7
The last think we need is a "pistol packin' momma" or 'granny'! I'll leave that to you, Ms. Dowd, and the "bombs away" crowd who are running for the Republican Presidential nomination. We need calm, we need concern, and most importantly we need competence. Hillary Clinton has that along with more experience in both domestic and especially foreign affairs than the whole menagerie of her opponents. Secretary Clinton is tough enough to not be wounded by your catty claws and catty calls for her to re-correct into "b***h" mode. Her main challenge is to be able to energize the Obama base with a heartfelt embrace of immigration reform, student loan/debt reform, voting and women's rights. If she does, and does it with calm passion, she'll be our next President.
29
What are Hillary's accomplishments and demonstrated skills that warrant consideration of her for president? I asked the same thing about George W Bush, Barack Obama, and now her. Was I a racist or a misogynist before when I did this? Clinton would not be considered for president if not for her husband's coattails. Is it too much to expect the leader of our country to actually have accomplished or demonstrated greatness? Clinton is noting but a power-hungry, money-hungry phony. And that is fact - not misogyny.
22
Well I don't expect Ms. Dowd to dawdle on details of policy; that is not what she is interested in or good at. She is very good at getting to the psychological underpinnings and motivatons of the players in our quadrennial search for a leader; she places it a tragi-comic Shakespearean context, and no politicians are more fair game for this than the Clintons. When the election is really happening, she just needs to spread her attention around more. The choices at hand may be too stark to do otherwise.
4
The problem is that she doesn't know who she is, or she is afraid to show us her true self. Look at how many "makeovers" of her personality she has gone through. Why would anyone need someone to tell them who they are, unless they have no real core? That is Hillary's problem, all ambition and greed, and no core principles.
14
The problem is not that Hillary Clinton and the slavish misdirected sycophants that support her must only allow her "Mother/Femaleness" to show through, it is that she is a non human self promoting aggrandizement machine who wishes only to inflate and feed an ego. She, like that paragon of Me...ism Barack Obama believe that the United States and it's citizens are here for their personal glorification. Rehabilitation of an image is not and never will be the same as rehabilitation. She started riding a lie and will ride that horse until we retire it. The citizens of the earth, not only the US deserve better.
12
It all boils down to "what you have to sell". Hillary - whether the masculine hard hitting woman or the granny Scooby do van driver - she has NOTHING to sell. We learned - she did not answer the 3 AM phone call - a requirement she set. She takes money hand over fist in the Clinton Foundations of major counties in the world and sees nothing wrong. She strong wills her wishes such as secrecy from her own server to destroying materials that did not belong to her. These are just a few - but really didn't need to give these - it just boils down - she is nothing, and certainly not a Thatcher, Golda Meir or Indira Gandhi. Unelectable.
14
What Mis. Dowd fails to see is that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's biggest problem is Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Of course, to left of center journalists, any criticism of her could be the result of misogyny and chauvinism. Ms. Dowd may think that the answer to her being too feminine or too much of a "bitch" is the question. But Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's biggest problem is that most moderate, left of center and right of center independents view her as a fraud, a con artist, and a political chameleon who can't be trusted.
20
The same tired old Hillary, in a way like the New Nixon, but the New Ms. Clinton all cuddly and concerned about her sisters, but with bite of a rattlesnake! The same tired Neo-Liberalism wedded to unapologetic jingoism.When Bill Kristol and Jeffrey Goldberg express their enthusiasm for your Foreign Policy, you've hit pay dirt! With a heavy dose of Feminism, don't forget that Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, that eliminated Aid to Dependent Children, or has self-willed political amnesia set in? That Act a monument to both her Feminism and her rabid Neo-Liberalism, or just a demonstration of the Clinton's as proto-Reaganites? Add to this mix the same old taunts of misogyny etc.etc.: call it as shopworn as the candidate herself. The point of arrival of Feminism is Hillary Clinton as candidate and then president? The very definition of the impoverished state of that Feminism! But a perfect match for Jeb Bush, the battle of Corrupt Dynasties, with Hillary as 'Champion' of Free Trade and the economic philosophy of Robert Rubin, Larry Summers or their ubiquitous successors. Failed Neo-Liberalism calls for more of the same.
StephenKMackSD
StephenKMackSD
7
A previous commenter remarked on the over exposure that comes from television. I think it also does something else - it makes the public think that we know the innermost thoughts of strangers. This is toxic, and results in columnists speculating on the same. Mrs Clinton has been around for a long time. She's put up with a lot from a lot of people. The biggest mistake she made was on Iraq, but a lot of people made that mistake. She's admitted the mistake. If we want to get to the point where nobody wants to run for office because they're be psychoanalyzed about being a grandma, we'll get what we deserve. Look at the other candidates, green eggs and ham.
16
I don't get the unimaginative and lazy caricature bestowed on Mrs. Clinton by comedy writers and Ms. Dowd as being an entitled wild eyed power hungry she devil. In most respects, minus the she devil aspect, these are generic stereotypes of anybody seeking the presidency. And when you think about it, which candidates actually represent entitlement and power grabbing? How about men who after just two years in the senate (Paul) or governors who serve two terms and then take a seven year sabbatical (Bush) decide to run for president. I often hear the question being asked: what are Mrs. Clinton's accomplishments? Funny, but I never hear the same inquiry being raised about any of the male republican candidates. So I ask you: what exactly are the accomplishments of Bush, Paul, Cruz, or Rubio? And are these men so modest that none of them feel entitled to be president? I'm all for good political satire but can't we come up with something more original and less sexist for Hillary?
34
I think I'm really going to enjoy this little adventure Hillary has cooked up. I hope she sticks with it and takes her little Scooby Van all over the gorgeous country.
5
Like a bump on a wall, you can't wallpaper over incompetence or a lack of accomplishments.
13
The feelings of the majority of American women seem ironically to be the same as for most American men - they have a deep psychological fear of smart and successful women.
11
El Jefe has a point. Ms. Dowd may be unaware of her sexism in calling Hillary
Clinton by her first name--though I doubt it--versus how she characterizes the male candidates. But even she must recognize her antipathy toward this particular candidate. And trotting out "granny" again as a way to marginalize Clinton, and remind us of her age! This is low, this is cheap, this is way beneath you. And it's beside the point in this discussion. Did you characterize Mitt Romney as a grandfather? You can't mention misogyny when you are guilty of it yourself!
Clinton by her first name--though I doubt it--versus how she characterizes the male candidates. But even she must recognize her antipathy toward this particular candidate. And trotting out "granny" again as a way to marginalize Clinton, and remind us of her age! This is low, this is cheap, this is way beneath you. And it's beside the point in this discussion. Did you characterize Mitt Romney as a grandfather? You can't mention misogyny when you are guilty of it yourself!
29
Who cares if Hillary Clinton hopped in a van and travelled to Iowa? Or ate at Chipotle? Could we please, please focus on the issues? What is she saying In Iowa? Who is she fighting for?
Ms. Dowd, you and other journalists talk about her being superficial but then, report on superficial items. Writing like that only continues the endless, non-informative memes. I thought journalism was supposed to enlighten us. Apparently, I am sadly mistaken again.
Ms. Dowd, you and other journalists talk about her being superficial but then, report on superficial items. Writing like that only continues the endless, non-informative memes. I thought journalism was supposed to enlighten us. Apparently, I am sadly mistaken again.
29
Can someone name just three of Hillary Clinton's significant accomplishments that have bettered this country during her lifetime of "service" to this country? Honestly, I can't even think of one. So why is she even being considered for POTUS?
No more Bushes, Clintons, Kennedys, or any other dynasty politicians. There are plenty of excellent leaders out there, can't we get get people more qualified than Hillary Clinton to run for POTUS?
No more Bushes, Clintons, Kennedys, or any other dynasty politicians. There are plenty of excellent leaders out there, can't we get get people more qualified than Hillary Clinton to run for POTUS?
11
While I wish that we progressives had more presidential candidates to choose from, I will gladly support Hillary Clinton over any GOP/TP candidate. The thought of Bush 3.0 and J.E.B. appointing three Supreme Court justices makes me want to vomit.
21
Hillary Clinton faces sexism from both sides.
20
“When people feel uncertain, they’d rather have someone who’s strong and wrong than somebody who’s weak and right.”
in general this is true, it is certainly true of republicans....... but we did elect obama twice. once over the unthinking mccain.
in general this is true, it is certainly true of republicans....... but we did elect obama twice. once over the unthinking mccain.
3
From the posts of folks who bother to comment, it looks like we will be having "the conversation" about the slab of sexism larded into American politics and it will be exuding its foul odor in this election. May as well bring it on and get it over with, because half the country without representation is not reasonable.
Holding Clinton hostage to tired fantasy stereotypes about gender, punishing her for it with media "narratives" and then letting good old boys skate on the same issues will not be a winning strategy. She may just have to stand there and watch the GOP field implode in their last century time machine.
Holding Clinton hostage to tired fantasy stereotypes about gender, punishing her for it with media "narratives" and then letting good old boys skate on the same issues will not be a winning strategy. She may just have to stand there and watch the GOP field implode in their last century time machine.
10
Blaming Bill for Hillary's pro-war vote? And if she really voted without reading the (bad) intel assessment, she should be ashamed.
5
"Hillary saw the foolishness of acting like a masculine woman ... after she fell behind to a feminized man denouncing it."
Male/Female are about reproduction anatomy and roles. Hermaphrodites are both. Eunuchs, geldings and steers are has-been males.
Masculine/Feminine are art forms. Every culture has it traditions, enhancements (scarring, tattooing, surgery, cosmetics, binding, elongating and so on--more or less debilitating) and costumes. Wigged baroque men strike us as hyper-feminine hypo-masculine. Hyper--is excessive--over the top. Sometimes bigger (or smaller) is more feminine until it becomes grotesque.
We all develop our personal gender-art styles. And we know some "sell" better--in popular culture than others--that's what makes movie stars.
But god help us if popular culture determines the gender-art style of POTUS. We do not need hyper males--engaging in agonistic display at the wiff of estogen. But Cary Grants and George Clooneys (and Obamas) are hardly less masculine by not being barroom brawler types.
Also problematic are the hypo-ones--as MD notes--masculine women, feminine men--mainly because of aesthetics--they are confusing and don't wear well.
Most problematic are the "tabula rasas"--without a personal, settled gender-art style--we all expect of mature men and woman. They are putty in the hands of handlers--and we never know what they will come up with. We do not need another Reagan reading his lines so well.
Male/Female are about reproduction anatomy and roles. Hermaphrodites are both. Eunuchs, geldings and steers are has-been males.
Masculine/Feminine are art forms. Every culture has it traditions, enhancements (scarring, tattooing, surgery, cosmetics, binding, elongating and so on--more or less debilitating) and costumes. Wigged baroque men strike us as hyper-feminine hypo-masculine. Hyper--is excessive--over the top. Sometimes bigger (or smaller) is more feminine until it becomes grotesque.
We all develop our personal gender-art styles. And we know some "sell" better--in popular culture than others--that's what makes movie stars.
But god help us if popular culture determines the gender-art style of POTUS. We do not need hyper males--engaging in agonistic display at the wiff of estogen. But Cary Grants and George Clooneys (and Obamas) are hardly less masculine by not being barroom brawler types.
Also problematic are the hypo-ones--as MD notes--masculine women, feminine men--mainly because of aesthetics--they are confusing and don't wear well.
Most problematic are the "tabula rasas"--without a personal, settled gender-art style--we all expect of mature men and woman. They are putty in the hands of handlers--and we never know what they will come up with. We do not need another Reagan reading his lines so well.
7
If B is still the new black, all Hillary has to do is be herself and she will be decked out in black.
2
Remember how weird and artificial Gore was in his Presidential campaign speeches? I suspect the impedance mismatch between who candidates really are (some call it character) and who they think the public wants them to be is best kept small for successful candidates in general. Be who you are, and we'll either like or reject you - artificial is so last Century.
5
This capture basically my impression of what the Hillary thing represents: Now no matter which party it is, we will have candidates making themselves up as Google personality profiles. Didn't work the first time, in this age you literally CAN be whoever you want, as Timothy Leary said.
There has always been reinvention, now just hit erase and redo. Hillary's problem is that Goldwater Girl she was keeps seeping out, it's pretty hardwired since it happened to her so young. We Democrats will really resent her, Bill gave the party, Hillary crashed it.
There has always been reinvention, now just hit erase and redo. Hillary's problem is that Goldwater Girl she was keeps seeping out, it's pretty hardwired since it happened to her so young. We Democrats will really resent her, Bill gave the party, Hillary crashed it.
3
There's a reason why Hillary plays it tight to the vest. When she opened up as First Lady, about the Rose Law Firm, Whitewater, even her investments in cattle futures, it drew her a Special Prosecutor a scant 6 months later.
Funny how conservatives like Ms Dowd are still harping on Hillary for her vote in the Senate over TEN years ago, most liberals have moved on and barely mention the name Cheney or Rummy or Woolfie any more.
Funny how conservatives like Ms Dowd are still harping on Hillary for her vote in the Senate over TEN years ago, most liberals have moved on and barely mention the name Cheney or Rummy or Woolfie any more.
10
hillary Clinton certainly has the potential to become a great president, more than her comical Republican rivals. She simply needs to convey that. Grandma aside, she needs to emphasize what needs to be done and tell the American people that story. That's what FDR, Kennedy, Reagan and Bill Clinton could do so effectively.
13
I don't believe I know what it means to "campaign as a woman" , or really, to do much of anything "as a woman." I am a woman employed in the building trades. I wonder what it would mean for me to build a house "like a woman" versus doing it in some other way. I'm a writer -- do I "write like a woman" or not? How about my watercolor paintings, are those female?
When men enter the political arena, are they cautioned to make sure to "campaign as a man"? What if they campaign as a woman? How would they do that? Somehow I don't think that when a man is quiet and listens to others, he'll be accused of imitating women.
When men do things in the world, they are given the privilege of just being able to be themselves, without being critiqued for how gender-correct they are. It's only women who are evaluated to see how they fit or don't fit expected gender roles. I think this should change.
When men enter the political arena, are they cautioned to make sure to "campaign as a man"? What if they campaign as a woman? How would they do that? Somehow I don't think that when a man is quiet and listens to others, he'll be accused of imitating women.
When men do things in the world, they are given the privilege of just being able to be themselves, without being critiqued for how gender-correct they are. It's only women who are evaluated to see how they fit or don't fit expected gender roles. I think this should change.
112
This article is nothing more than another example of Hillary bashing. Blaming Hillary for 2008, seriously? When Obama had the overwhelming racial allure of being a "clean and articulate" (Joe Biden's words) black man? And didn't hesitate to use it for the purposes of racial guilt and division, a behavior he has continue to this day? No white person of any gender could've beaten that. So why do people keep bashing Hillary for every single thing she's ever done?
11
I will never understand why the public allows the media to treat presidential election campaigns as sit-com entertainment instead of the deadly serious business it is. Pools are not news; they are opinions of the news. And TV advertising so benefits the media that repeated airing is a self-serving conflict of interest that lets the candidates dictate the agenda.
Anyone who doubts that Americans are infantilized and fickle need only watch late-night TV comedians. That is what passes for voter information.
Anyone who doubts that Americans are infantilized and fickle need only watch late-night TV comedians. That is what passes for voter information.
15
There is no authenticity in politics. Candidates are marketed as any other consumer product and shaped according to the perceived demands or wishes of the buying public. Politicians dare not show their real selves. They dare not think for themselves and they certainly dare not give their own opinion on the 'public interest.' Instead, politicians put forth only the personal image manufactured to cultivate a relationship with voters. So, Hilary Clinton runs wearing her 'Margaret Thatcher hat' in 2008 and exchanges it for a 'granny hat' in this year's campaign. Who knows what she might be wearing in 2016? But this is not really about the woman who wants to be the first female American president. It is about a democratic system that has gone off the rails and values winning elections over everything else. If that means turning a candidate 'inside out,' then it is done without a second thought.
5
I belive it is still very difficult for women, either professionally or politically, to show themselves as both "being just as tough as men" and as being warm and compassionate. And it's even more difficult for most men to accept, and like, women being both. I hope women really support Hillary in her run for president. Men, unfortunately, will have a harder time making sense of and accepting her.
9
Hillary should take some lessons from Pope Francis.
3
Maybe Sec.. Clinton should consult with Chancellor Angela Merkel for tips on overcoming the petty, misogynistic criticism that a woman's candidacy tends to encourage.
The high school focus on personality instead of issues is a reflection on the hang ups of the press and not the candidate. Even clever snark gets old if that's all you have. GW Bush was the kind of guy one could see having a beer with versus that cold fish, Al Gore. Remember that cogent analysis.
No wonder people elect so many bozos. It is difficult to focus on what is important when the media focuses on personality, tactics, and family and gives short shrift to the issues.
As flawed as Sec. Clinton might be from the cool kids in school perspective, she is better for the country than the whole group of GOP pretenders put together.
The high school focus on personality instead of issues is a reflection on the hang ups of the press and not the candidate. Even clever snark gets old if that's all you have. GW Bush was the kind of guy one could see having a beer with versus that cold fish, Al Gore. Remember that cogent analysis.
No wonder people elect so many bozos. It is difficult to focus on what is important when the media focuses on personality, tactics, and family and gives short shrift to the issues.
As flawed as Sec. Clinton might be from the cool kids in school perspective, she is better for the country than the whole group of GOP pretenders put together.
17
We're talking packaging. Aren't there any old Nixon advisers still around ?
5
If you can't be yourself....then who are you? (no one I'll vote for)
4
Unless Ms. Clinton can offer a new solution to current problems that people can accept, her seat on the world stage will fade to black. All the scenarios and posturing before cameras is for naught.
4
A day or so ago, I read an article where a female 'democrat strategist' (sorry can't recall name) stated that one of Hillery's qualifications for being POTUS was that she was previously a First Lady. And this person was serious.
Now exactly how does being married to the POTUS qualify *you* for being the POTUS? How does it qualify you for being anything? It's not like it's a job, even for Hillary -- Well, okay, she did have to work full time at keeping Bill's pants on. And as I recall that didn't work out to swell either. And when she was a senator, she didn't exactly set the world on fire with any legislation, even as a co-sponsor of a bill. So scratch that as a qualification.
And her time as SOS was something I think she'd rather forget as her screw-ups DID make a difference, huge ones. Not only Benghazi but her 'Reset' with Russia. Only Putin was the winner there. Not exactly glowing 'qualifications' there.
So what's left? Morals? Ethics? Scruples? Not in this lifetime.
Now exactly how does being married to the POTUS qualify *you* for being the POTUS? How does it qualify you for being anything? It's not like it's a job, even for Hillary -- Well, okay, she did have to work full time at keeping Bill's pants on. And as I recall that didn't work out to swell either. And when she was a senator, she didn't exactly set the world on fire with any legislation, even as a co-sponsor of a bill. So scratch that as a qualification.
And her time as SOS was something I think she'd rather forget as her screw-ups DID make a difference, huge ones. Not only Benghazi but her 'Reset' with Russia. Only Putin was the winner there. Not exactly glowing 'qualifications' there.
So what's left? Morals? Ethics? Scruples? Not in this lifetime.
9
All this complaining seems frivolous. Must we be fed trivia daily to salivate over? America has many serious problems that need solutions. The question is who is best qualified to deal with the mess that our democracy has turned into. Read John Dunn’s recent Breaking Democracy’s Spell to think about it. Hillary has been committed to policies all her working life that benefit the “common good”, a concept we have forgotten about. Can she be faulted for being a politician who wants to get things done? Her intelligence and experience overshadow those of any other candidate I see on the horizon. I’ll work for her election; I trust her to face America’s challenges as we live in an increasingly interconnected world.
10
It was Jeff Gerth in the NYT that began the greatest hoax of the Clinton administration: Whitewater. There was no "scandal". There was no wrongdoing. The bank that held the Whitewater was not one of the 747 Savings & Loan banks that failed or one of the 250 taken over by the Federal home Loan Bank Board. Nor did the Whitewater mortgage default as the Clintons paid it off.
And yet the commercial media industry, following the lead of Mr. Jeff Gerth and the NYT, was able to make this hoax last for the entire duration of the Clinton administration culminating with Ken Starr's inquisition of Monica Lewinsky at the Pentagon City Mall by FBI agents after she requested a lawyer.
On the other hand, the Silverado Savings & Loan Bank of Denver, CO. did fail. And Neil Bush, one of President George H.W. Bush's ne'er do well sons was a Director who approved loans to companies he was associated with without disclosing his interest which did default contributing to Silverado's failure. Silverado cost the American taxpayers $1 Billion Dollars. No controversy here.
Does anyone wonder why she might have some reservation over the treble or quadruple standards used?
And yet the commercial media industry, following the lead of Mr. Jeff Gerth and the NYT, was able to make this hoax last for the entire duration of the Clinton administration culminating with Ken Starr's inquisition of Monica Lewinsky at the Pentagon City Mall by FBI agents after she requested a lawyer.
On the other hand, the Silverado Savings & Loan Bank of Denver, CO. did fail. And Neil Bush, one of President George H.W. Bush's ne'er do well sons was a Director who approved loans to companies he was associated with without disclosing his interest which did default contributing to Silverado's failure. Silverado cost the American taxpayers $1 Billion Dollars. No controversy here.
Does anyone wonder why she might have some reservation over the treble or quadruple standards used?
23
"THE most famous woman on the planet has a confounding problem."
Tongue in cheek humour, I hope.
Tongue in cheek humour, I hope.
First thought. This might seem obvious and trite but a man will judge a woman with his eyes regardless of what his ears tell him about her.
We all knew Hillary in 2008 back then much more than we knew Barack. I initially opted for Hillary but somewhere along the campaign trail my eyes betrayed me.
I was driving home when I heard Obama's speech in winning the Wisconsin democratic primary. I realized later that I had voted for Obama because of my ears then (Wisconsin). It was perhaps a good thing because we did not know much about him to pre-judge him.
Second thought. When we don't know much, trust is paramount. People tend to trust what they hear rather than what they see. In 2008 there were much uncertainty with the economy and its crony capitalism. We are definitely beyond that point with respect to public knowledge nowadays.
Ginni Rometty was on Charlie Rose recently and I like her. She seem a bit the girl from a humble background who later became the head of one of the most trusted corporation not just in America but also the world. Hoping for the same with Hillary.
We all knew Hillary in 2008 back then much more than we knew Barack. I initially opted for Hillary but somewhere along the campaign trail my eyes betrayed me.
I was driving home when I heard Obama's speech in winning the Wisconsin democratic primary. I realized later that I had voted for Obama because of my ears then (Wisconsin). It was perhaps a good thing because we did not know much about him to pre-judge him.
Second thought. When we don't know much, trust is paramount. People tend to trust what they hear rather than what they see. In 2008 there were much uncertainty with the economy and its crony capitalism. We are definitely beyond that point with respect to public knowledge nowadays.
Ginni Rometty was on Charlie Rose recently and I like her. She seem a bit the girl from a humble background who later became the head of one of the most trusted corporation not just in America but also the world. Hoping for the same with Hillary.
3
How about this for a novel idea: Just be yourself. You might as well; everyone else is taken. I think the American public would respond well to someone who isn't spinning everything.
10
"granny"? I stopped there and went straight to the comments... really? granny?
16
I will vote for Hillary. We all know that despite anything the Republican candidates say, once in office, the will pack the Supreme Court with ultra conservative justices, reduce environmental and regulatory protections, reduce taxes on the ultra-rich, reduce services to the rest of us, and begin whittling away at Social Security.
So the media can nit-pick Hillary all they want. She's a much better alternative than any Republican.
So the media can nit-pick Hillary all they want. She's a much better alternative than any Republican.
24
Based on the Dowd's essay one would assume, by contrast, that the current Republican pack of presidential pretenders presented as paragons of probity.
9
Politicians are most likely to get elected when they combine charisma, ideology and support from the establishment. In some exceptional cases, two out of three will do (Obama). Hillary has the establishment behind her. She cannot become charismatic no matter how hard she tries. Ergo, in order to win she must adopt a strong ideological stand which, so far, she has not.
2
I'll settle for a rational stand, not an ideological one.
Since we have to vote for someone (you cant not just not vote) . you have to pick a Republican or a Democrat. ANYTHING ELSE IS A WASTED VOTE. S o take your pick_ a female Democrat with a lot of baggage or a loony Republican who has the best interest of the bankers, Wall Street, etc at heart. Unfortunately Bernie Sanders cant win, He's a Socialist. Horrors!
12
Every woman in America has a reason to vote for her.
She can't do any worse then George and if does 1/2
as good as Bill will be an intelligent, seasoned,thoughtful and strong
leader of the free world.
I just wonder who she will pick for advisors in the White House and VP.
She can't do any worse then George and if does 1/2
as good as Bill will be an intelligent, seasoned,thoughtful and strong
leader of the free world.
I just wonder who she will pick for advisors in the White House and VP.
11
Hillary began her professional life as a criminal defense attorney. She successfully defended her husband's sexual adventures and later defended Mr. Obama's foreign policies. As president she would have no one to defend and that is why she finds it hard to invent a suitable personality. She has always been on the defense and has no vision for for an honest and fair country. She believes that she is entitled to set her own (email) rules and felt sorry for herself because she was broke after leaving the White House. She will pretend to be whatever the jury seems to want. She is definitely not the new black - (that was Bill).
6
The woman we all love to critique. The reason it costs one billion to run is because the race for President lasts 2 years. I doubt few real people could stand up to that level of scrutiny and still keep it real. No, our political leaders are phony cowboys, phony family guys, or just plane phony. The Clintons are professional politicians. I wish we could try some amateurs for awhile. Maybe then we could have governance and leadership instead of power-grabbing nonsense.
1
Personally, I don't give a hoot if a politician campaigns as a female, male, elephant or donkey. What I do care about is the fact that the vast majority of them have sold their souls to Wall Street and the moneyed interests it represents. As it stands today, if Clinton turns out to the the Democratic nominee, which appears to be the case, I will vote for her as I long ago gave up on the GOP which has lost its collective mind pandering to its bible thumping, gun crazed, racist, homophobic, misogynistic base, a scary lot if ever there was one.
22
I will vote for her if she is the candidate, primarily because the GOP is so backward in its political positions. But, at day's end, I'm still not sure as to why Hillary Clinton wants to be the president. Is the ambition purely personal or is there some overarching vision of this country's future which drives her?
I hope that a vision emerges in the next 18 months and $2 billion spent to advertise it.
I hope that a vision emerges in the next 18 months and $2 billion spent to advertise it.
6
It seems that Hillary's problem is that she's been such a gold-plated phony for so long that she has become incapable of being authentic in any way. The few, carefully staged appearances with a few Democratic loyalists on her most recent trip among the unwashed masses accomplished the opposite of what was intended, making her come off as more fake than ever. And at least for now the media is okay with pointing out her flaws because thay would rather have a hard-core leftist like Elizabeth Warren run anyway. But we all know that if it comes down to Hillary in the general election, the lapdog media will line up to fawn over her "historic" candidacy. Despite that, she's such a bad campaigner that it is difficult to envision her winning over the American people, despite their unseriousness about the consequences of presidential elections as demonstrated in 2008 and 2012.
10
Unlike all of the nations with the most Muslims-Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh- America has never had a female head of state or government.
Unlike Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel, Nancy Pelosi, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Margaret Chase Smith and Christine Lagarde everyone knows and reveres or hates her husband.
Unlike Hatshepsut, Boudica, Elizabeth I, Catherine, Victoria and Elizabeth II there is no royal succession path to rule and reign in America.
Like almost all of the Republicans running for POTUS, Hillary has never volunteered to serve in the American military and carry a gun against any and all of America's enemies domestic and foreign. Perhaps Hillary should challenge them all to a duel on a field of honor. I 'd bet on Hillary's big bad estrogen ovaries emerging triumphant against any of these prancing and preening "boys"
Unlike Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel, Nancy Pelosi, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Margaret Chase Smith and Christine Lagarde everyone knows and reveres or hates her husband.
Unlike Hatshepsut, Boudica, Elizabeth I, Catherine, Victoria and Elizabeth II there is no royal succession path to rule and reign in America.
Like almost all of the Republicans running for POTUS, Hillary has never volunteered to serve in the American military and carry a gun against any and all of America's enemies domestic and foreign. Perhaps Hillary should challenge them all to a duel on a field of honor. I 'd bet on Hillary's big bad estrogen ovaries emerging triumphant against any of these prancing and preening "boys"
4
There had been servera male Presidents who might fall into the tough category: Harry Truman comes to mind with the slogan: "Give 'em hell, Harry."
Actually, a lot of Republicans want a tough leader, and toughness has won the Hollywood scene quite successfully (e.g. Dirty Harry). I wonder if that character's name came from President Truman?
Let's face it: Cruz does not look like Macho Man, perhaps more like 'Sissy on a Cycle." Parl Ryan could use a beard, but that would make him look sneaky -- maybe he is. Jeb Bush looks weak to me, if not sick. Check his medical records before you cast a vote. Mitt Romney, well, I suppose downing the 26% is popular among GOP insiders, but real men don't pick on the weak.
No, Hillary is the most stable of them all. If she was a man, Biden and her would make a great team -- hey, there's an idea!
Actually, a lot of Republicans want a tough leader, and toughness has won the Hollywood scene quite successfully (e.g. Dirty Harry). I wonder if that character's name came from President Truman?
Let's face it: Cruz does not look like Macho Man, perhaps more like 'Sissy on a Cycle." Parl Ryan could use a beard, but that would make him look sneaky -- maybe he is. Jeb Bush looks weak to me, if not sick. Check his medical records before you cast a vote. Mitt Romney, well, I suppose downing the 26% is popular among GOP insiders, but real men don't pick on the weak.
No, Hillary is the most stable of them all. If she was a man, Biden and her would make a great team -- hey, there's an idea!
7
The "sex flag" was already passé back in 2008. What does it matter if the President is black, or a woman, or Latino? What matters is competence, boldness, integrity, something the world has been lacking lately. Or always.
13
Mrs. Clinton always seems to need a gimmick or a total-image-makeover. Just a clever politician with no core - like Mr. Clinton - like Mr. Obama. Why wastefully and blindly elect an empty political shell as the first XX president? That was done with Mr.Obama, just to parade the first melanin-endowed president. Wait for the real deal.
10
Speaking of "empty political shells" makes me think, for some reason, of the Bush family. And the name George W. Bush. I wonder why?????
2
Why is it her qualifications for the position of President are never discussed? As with Mr. Obama when he first ran - and which proved to be very important - is Hillary has zero executive experience of any quality. Her time at the State Department seems as if she was the visible head but had little to do with the actual functioning of the State Department. Prior to that her time in the Senate was notably un-notable. No legislation passed, no actual accomplishment of any kind.
As head of the State Department she over saw the creation of multiple international embarrassments and failures without any accomplishment that I can recall. Ignoring the right wing Benghazi issue what most strikes me was that for almost 4 years in Obama's first term she was invisible - other than scandals.
Her senate career was remarkably unaccomplished. She managed to avoid scandal but also managed to avoid everything else. She created no significant legislation and broke no new ground. She kept her head down.
And before her Senate career? Well - she was married to the president. She did have the try at health care reform - which wasn't a high point for her.
Her penchant or secrecy and carefully managed positions does not reflect well on her.
Frankly - democrats need a candidate that has less baggage and a better resume. As of now Mrs. Clintons major accomplishment is to become a celebrity of politics. She is like a Kardashian - famous for being famous.
As head of the State Department she over saw the creation of multiple international embarrassments and failures without any accomplishment that I can recall. Ignoring the right wing Benghazi issue what most strikes me was that for almost 4 years in Obama's first term she was invisible - other than scandals.
Her senate career was remarkably unaccomplished. She managed to avoid scandal but also managed to avoid everything else. She created no significant legislation and broke no new ground. She kept her head down.
And before her Senate career? Well - she was married to the president. She did have the try at health care reform - which wasn't a high point for her.
Her penchant or secrecy and carefully managed positions does not reflect well on her.
Frankly - democrats need a candidate that has less baggage and a better resume. As of now Mrs. Clintons major accomplishment is to become a celebrity of politics. She is like a Kardashian - famous for being famous.
9
Are HRC's opponents running as men? At this stage in the game, anyone who still thinks gender makes a difference in being president is a lost cause for La Clinton. She can win on issues: reviving the Middle Class dream for everyone; retrieving the dream of a democracy in the New Age of Plutocrats; redefining the role of America. Regrettably, she came up pretty short during her stint as SecState (compare her achievements to Kerry's) as well as her term as a Senator ("Do you take cream with your coffee?"; compare her use of Senate-as-Soapbox to Elizabeth Warren's).
The bad news is that HRC's image--naked ambition, nothing else--is all too accurate, leaving nothing but her image as the centerpiece of her campaign.
The bad news is that HRC's image--naked ambition, nothing else--is all too accurate, leaving nothing but her image as the centerpiece of her campaign.
5
"advisers think that this humility tour will move her past the hilarious caricature by Kate McKinnonon “Saturday Night Live” of Hillary as a manipulative, clawing robot who has coveted the role as leader of the free world for decades."
!
And she aint? Or does the truth hurts too much!!!
!
And she aint? Or does the truth hurts too much!!!
3
It is not true that people don't like her. She got too much of the vote last time to say that. The problem is that those who don't like her, hate her. It's visceral.
She is a smart lady who is only slightly left of middle and doesn't have her bearings yet or a defined fight. Except for her foray into health care in 1993, she has never been progressive. She is not liberal enough for most Democrats and an easy target for ignorant Republicans to call "progressive". It is easy to be a crazy Ted Cruz (who was born in Canada btw, why doesn't anybody care?) or Rand Paul. It is much harder to be Jeb Bush and stand out. If you take gender out of it, he is struggling with the same thing.
She is a smart lady who is only slightly left of middle and doesn't have her bearings yet or a defined fight. Except for her foray into health care in 1993, she has never been progressive. She is not liberal enough for most Democrats and an easy target for ignorant Republicans to call "progressive". It is easy to be a crazy Ted Cruz (who was born in Canada btw, why doesn't anybody care?) or Rand Paul. It is much harder to be Jeb Bush and stand out. If you take gender out of it, he is struggling with the same thing.
1
Hillary isn't the most famous woman in the world. According to the list I found on Google she's number 17 behind Madonna and Billie Jean King, just ahead of Brigit Bardot.
4
So the argument here is that Hilliary allowed 2 other men to decide her vote FOR the Iraq war so she would seem strong, even though, according to Ms. Dowd's apparent mind reading skills, she was against it, ergo, we should make her POTUS now because she's really really a woman, and to not do so has nothing to do with her lack of ability, skill set, or leadership style but because the GOP men are misogynist? Riiiiight. Good luck with that one. SNL has nailed Ms. Clinton, and it will be the end of her.
4
If Hillary Clinton is not a crook, how then did she and her husband become hundred millionaires since leaving the White House in 2001?
Show of hands folks. Who really believes the same guys who paid Mrs. Clinton a quarter of a million dollars to give her multiple 50 minute canned speeches did not also expect "something else" in return?
Quid Pro Quo is the name my friends. And Clinton Inc is where to go if you wish to play the game.
Show of hands folks. Who really believes the same guys who paid Mrs. Clinton a quarter of a million dollars to give her multiple 50 minute canned speeches did not also expect "something else" in return?
Quid Pro Quo is the name my friends. And Clinton Inc is where to go if you wish to play the game.
6
Hey! Speaking of "canned", have you forgotten about George W.? Oh, my bad. You are right. He only spoke when Cheney pulled the strings.
To the outsider, Hillary's entrance into the race, looks about as odd as a $2 bill --- strange to be exact, and if she doesn't quickly become the Hillary we all know, she is going to lose again or lose me.
I was at the 2008 caucus, I was also at the caucus Howard Dean lost --he should have did more than scream at Iowa and never underestimate a last minute visit from Teresa Heinz.
In 2008, Hillary's camp held only the elite and young professional women. In my little caucus, I think there may have been a couple men in her camp. She didn't have labor, she didn't have the old school, and she didn't have the young --- honestly, I think the Richardson guy would have did well here, had he had the resources of the others --- his group was the only that drew a balanced mix.
The grandma thing can only help Hillary in relating with others, but it doesn't mean you stop fighting for what you believe in, you just learn to fight with a cookie in your hand.
I was at the 2008 caucus, I was also at the caucus Howard Dean lost --he should have did more than scream at Iowa and never underestimate a last minute visit from Teresa Heinz.
In 2008, Hillary's camp held only the elite and young professional women. In my little caucus, I think there may have been a couple men in her camp. She didn't have labor, she didn't have the old school, and she didn't have the young --- honestly, I think the Richardson guy would have did well here, had he had the resources of the others --- his group was the only that drew a balanced mix.
The grandma thing can only help Hillary in relating with others, but it doesn't mean you stop fighting for what you believe in, you just learn to fight with a cookie in your hand.
2
It says something about a candidate when the person continually seeks to sculpt their outward appearance to try to create the most electable veneer. What appears though is not a coherent package but one that is weak, malleable, uncertain and certainly not prepared. It's been 7 years since 2008 and she's been out of the State Department for nearly 2 years. She's had plenty of time to to prepare the veneer but instead it looks less refined than in 2008. She will not be a strong candidate - that statement has nothing to do with her gender but rather everything to do with her qualifications & preparedness.
I really don't care anymore which party our POTUS comes from. I'd just like a candidate that treats all Americans equally - no more disdain for 'the rich', no more affirmative action for everyone except whites (who are soon to be a minority), no more stratification & class warfare against the successful, no more free ride for 40% of America that contributes nothing to the common good.
When JFK made the case to cut taxes in 1963, there was no talk of helping only the middle class, or the poor. There was zero talk of making sure the rich pay even more for their "fair share". JFK only spoke of all Americans. He was also a supporter of defending America and all its citizens.
When we get a candidate who thinks and acts like that - regardless of which party they're from, they'll have my support. That candidate will likely be the next POTUS as well.
I really don't care anymore which party our POTUS comes from. I'd just like a candidate that treats all Americans equally - no more disdain for 'the rich', no more affirmative action for everyone except whites (who are soon to be a minority), no more stratification & class warfare against the successful, no more free ride for 40% of America that contributes nothing to the common good.
When JFK made the case to cut taxes in 1963, there was no talk of helping only the middle class, or the poor. There was zero talk of making sure the rich pay even more for their "fair share". JFK only spoke of all Americans. He was also a supporter of defending America and all its citizens.
When we get a candidate who thinks and acts like that - regardless of which party they're from, they'll have my support. That candidate will likely be the next POTUS as well.
9
Whatever identity Hillary assumes next, it will be equally focused group, message tested and airbrushed. Which leads one to wonder if there really is any there there. She's kinda like Cool Whip...all fluff but completely synthetic.
6
You mean to tell me she is a POLITICIAN ?!?!?!? Good Grief!
So if she can't even figure out a campaign strategy, how can she handle the complexities in office?
4
there are three columns on this page discussing her campaign strategy. None, however, talk about her, or any other candidates', policy positions.
Maybe she would do much better if she'd quit taking polls about everything before she speaks or takes a position on something. I want someone for president who is real, who speaks from the heart, and of course who believes the things I do. Hillary is way too fake. I am a conservative. I like Scott Walker. But, I'd vote for a Democrat is I thought the person was a leader and was speaking from the heart instead of saying something based on polls. Jim Webb is such a Democrat. I don't agree with all he says, but he's real.
4
The most famous woman today could be Charlotte Dujardin. Clinton is a well-known politician, nothing more.
So Hillary is running in part because of the awful parental leave policies in the US and you assert that this is her acting with too much estrogen? Ridiculous. I agree that Penn ran her into the ground in 2008. But she is still a bright and articulate voice who will make a good president.
10
Clinton has not accomplished anything that would counter her opportunistic war vote. She has done nothing to change economic and social injustice in our country. She won't speak vigorously against her client interests. She has profited enormously from those interests, they pay her enormous sums just to see and speak to them. They gave her daughter a rich job. They are the ocean that she and bill float upon. Her time as secretary of state was spent flying around and around the world accomplishing nothing of note. I think its doubtful the opening with Cuba could have been accomplished with her as secretary of state. She'd have resisted the move as an unnecessary risk to her presidential ambitions.
5
Billary has no chance, she represents the third Obama term.
The absolute failure in Iowa with staged events, driven in DNC supporters shows just how desperate her campaign is to shield her from taking real questions from "real" people or talking about issues.
Peel back the onion and Billarys baggage goes back to Watergate when she was fired for lies and unethical behavior.
If this is the best the Dems have, I predict the largest landslide in Americas history against her.
The absolute failure in Iowa with staged events, driven in DNC supporters shows just how desperate her campaign is to shield her from taking real questions from "real" people or talking about issues.
Peel back the onion and Billarys baggage goes back to Watergate when she was fired for lies and unethical behavior.
If this is the best the Dems have, I predict the largest landslide in Americas history against her.
6
You don't slay me.
what a great country, where a great columnist for a great newspaper advocates on a great scale for greater candidate packaging to elect a leader for no great purpose other than to pull the strings of power.
i don't know. why waste all the time and effort on a campaign. just focus group the country on the image it wants in a president the day before the 2016 election, morph hillary's picture to fit, vote, and elect. who cares what follows. image is everything.
i don't know. why waste all the time and effort on a campaign. just focus group the country on the image it wants in a president the day before the 2016 election, morph hillary's picture to fit, vote, and elect. who cares what follows. image is everything.
1
sure...give all the candidates a set amount of $ to campaign on. Level the field. Let the best person win. Not the richest.
1
A piercing and on-target critique, sure to enrage fans and delight haters of Hillary Clinton; both groups allow emotion to blur vision. On certain days, such as today, Maureen Dowd transcends what appears in the Times.
9
No one writes about the Clintons more entertainingly than Maureen Dowd. Hillary in a "Scooby van" almost made me choke on my coffee- hilarious. Maureen perceptively nails the problem of the saccharin nature of the Clinton campaign. The "softened" fake image of her in staged campaign events that come off as duplicitous. It's a major problem for any presidential candidate as Ms. Dowd brilliantly illustrates.
5
She's so likeable enough that she's going to force Obama supporters like me to vote red. Get her out of there, deliver us from dynasty, Liz Warren
3
While we are on the subject of overreacting, Owl, if your view of Hillary Clinton appears to be taking hold in the new few months, she will be weeded out by the process. Mrs. Clinton will lose out to another Democrat – not because your view is correct, but because it will have become the prevalent view.
2
If there's anyone who would get fewer white male votes than Hillary it's Liz Warren.
If you can vote for the republican madness to finish off the job of decimation that Bush II left us after eight years of misrule, then don't complain that you were "forced" to it. You're sinking your own ship, and mine, pal. Because gee, you like them better? Do you? Really?
2
The whole process of electoral politics revolves around the cheesiness of television, which cheapens everything it touches. The Hillary Show has " jumped the shark" because she has become overexposed. Even Mary Tyler Moore had to call it a day and that was before "reality" shows and Rupert Murdoch were on the scene, further degrading the participants. It's all a performance and, as such, is fair game for critics like Ms. Dowd. And if you think she's tough, you should have met Pauline Kael.
2
"She emoted about the need for longer paid leave for new mothers: “You’ve got to bond with your baby. You’ve got to learn how to take care of the baby.”......... It can take up to 6 months to bond with a baby according to some authorities on the matter. Are we prepared to require employers to pay for six months of bonding time in what is essentially a private matter between the woman and the guy who impregnated her?
3
Why not? All the sane countries do, which seems to be part of the reason they have better health, higher productivity, and a lot fewer insane children.
3
If only she could "overreact" and liberate the Cowardice Party (formerly known as Democrats) from their lemming-like stupor, by retiring at 67 (older than all but two prior presidents when inaugurated), after 8 years in the White House, 8 years in the Senate, and 4 years running the State Dept., and giving some other woman without her baggage a chance to run for president.
3
Is it the misogynist Republicans who force Hillary to lie, repeatedly and instinctively, about every aspect of her life, from her grandparents' immigration history to her private server to hitting up foreign dictatorships for cash while Sec of State? Did we American men force upon her the hypocrisy of demanding $300K per speech from various universities and companies as she was decrying the cost of higher education, income inequality, the vanishing American Dream?
7
If I were you guys, I'd steer well clear of screaming about family immigration history (Cruz, Rubio), or sucking money from foreign governments while in office (Dick Cheney, perchance?), or fat lecture fees.
I'll give you the server bit, but that's relatively minor.
I'll give you the server bit, but that's relatively minor.
I thought the GOP liked the rich folks salary thing. Just not for women I guess.
1
Hillary Clinton Bush is a vile despicable person. She made her 100 million Playing the political game. She is as false and as disingenuous as they come.
Anyone who votes for her based solely on gender is a hypocritical sexist.
Anyone who votes for her based solely on gender is a hypocritical sexist.
7
OK by you if we end up voting for her because she's one helluva jump ahead of the various clowns, crooks, Bible-thumpers and McCarthyites the Republicans are running?
i'll give you that Jeb Bush and John Kasich aren't crazy. But given the way you guys think, I don't think they're even gonna get close.
i'll give you that Jeb Bush and John Kasich aren't crazy. But given the way you guys think, I don't think they're even gonna get close.
You describe me to a "T". Thanks. Us hypocritical sexists never get much recognition. She has MY vote.
Hilary is So-o-o-o-o Nixonian, she keeps losing, won't stop running, has deep flaws and a dark past. She has same sort of cold, clammy presence that makes you instinctively reach for the hand-sani. I wish Bill wold give her permission to sit this one out.
8
You over estimate Bill's power to permit . . . . . or refuse.
2
and there is this theory - that the best way for our new President would be - to lean back and just watch all these silly men to dismantle themselves.
2
Don't let them off the hook by calling them "these silly men". The Republican field of candidates are an array of fascism. Hilary on her worst day has more humanity than cruzrubioscottrandetc have on their best.
1
I don't want a candidate that I like. I want one that I respect. I want to hear what a candidate thinks our most pressing issues are and how they intend to address them.
Every time a candidate talks (negatively) about their opponent, it tells me that they have nothing positive to say about themselves, and that they have no solutions to offer. Reinventing your image is a sure sign that you just want to win the election, not lead the country.
None of this is specific just to Mrs. Clinton, but this "win at all cost" approach has poisoned the environment in Washington and across the country. I will never vote for the lesser of two evils again. I will very likely be casing a blank ballot again in 2016.
Every time a candidate talks (negatively) about their opponent, it tells me that they have nothing positive to say about themselves, and that they have no solutions to offer. Reinventing your image is a sure sign that you just want to win the election, not lead the country.
None of this is specific just to Mrs. Clinton, but this "win at all cost" approach has poisoned the environment in Washington and across the country. I will never vote for the lesser of two evils again. I will very likely be casing a blank ballot again in 2016.
40
Well said.
What it is likely to come down to in 2016, is the low information voter, regrettably.
As 'all politics is local' voters may concentrate on local candidates and issues passing on voting the top of the ticket, either party.
The next 18 months will see a very long campaign. There is a remote possibility of a candidate that we can 'respect' coming forward. Unfortunately, it comes to $$$$.
What it is likely to come down to in 2016, is the low information voter, regrettably.
As 'all politics is local' voters may concentrate on local candidates and issues passing on voting the top of the ticket, either party.
The next 18 months will see a very long campaign. There is a remote possibility of a candidate that we can 'respect' coming forward. Unfortunately, it comes to $$$$.
2
Too much worry about who, what, where and when she should be. Too much worry about how her image should be projected and whether or not she is too masculine or too feminine. Whatever we get, it will be paper mache' over chicken wire, perhaps with a bit of glitter, or maybe some camo cloth. There is no real substance - only a true yearning to know what the little people want to hear or see. She has no base, no integrity, she is an actor waiting for the director to provide the winning lines and costumes.
7
Hillary Clinton can win. And not a single GOP candidate can or will state publicly that they also intend to fight global warming, champion equal pay for women, support same-sex marriage, support Roe v Wade, push for more taxes on the wealthy or defend Social Security. Come to think of it, not a single GOP candidate will dare state that the Earth is anything but 6,000 years old. If Hillary Clinton steamrolls the GOP in the election, the Republicans will have no one to blame but themselves.
8
The outcome of the 2016 will be determined by how effective Republican are in gerrymandering, denial of voting rights, and other tactics to steal the election.
It's typical Republican hypocrisy that after the absurd and colossal viciousness of their birther hoax claiming Obama was born in Kenya, they don't say word-one about Ted Cruz being undisputedly born outside the USA. Cruz's contention is that his mother was a US citizen makes him a natural born American. Huh? If Cruz was born in Washington DC on the 4th of July to a mother who was not a US citizen, would that deny his right to call himself a natural born US citizen?
It's typical Republican hypocrisy that after the absurd and colossal viciousness of their birther hoax claiming Obama was born in Kenya, they don't say word-one about Ted Cruz being undisputedly born outside the USA. Cruz's contention is that his mother was a US citizen makes him a natural born American. Huh? If Cruz was born in Washington DC on the 4th of July to a mother who was not a US citizen, would that deny his right to call himself a natural born US citizen?
Hillary is an enormously talented individual, who in comparison to her Republican counterparts, really is the only adult in the room. Having said that, I do wish she was more comfortable in her own skin. Her relationship with her husband, her constant remaking of herself, even her manner of relating to white house staff, is puzzling. What I so much liked about Elizabeth Warren, aside from her policy positions, is she is who she is. With Hillary you are never are quite sure who she is.
2
Would I be correct in assuming that just being honest, open, and straightforward about her ideas, values, and proposed policies would make her unacceptable to us?
5
Does anybody even mention, much less extoll, "Clinton Values"?
Old and In The Way pretty much describes this devious, greedy old crook.
Old and In The Way pretty much describes this devious, greedy old crook.
7
Yes, Hillary is most certainly a chameleon. That's the problem. She is not trustworthy.
9
C'mon! Why do you want to keep reminding us of George W. and Dick Cheney? I suppose, after she is in the White House, she COULD lead us into some kind of war, though I doubt it. She is not a good enough liar.......
Just judge Hillary Clinton by the same criteria male candidates are judged by. The press gave Gore, McCain, Bill Clinton, Romney, Bush and Obama a particular meme that was more often than not untrue. Let's judge Hillary Clinton and her rivals by what they say their goals are. Not the platitudes but the actual policies.
5
We become our compromises.
2
It is probably bad advice for Ms. Clinton to follow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They haven't been relevant in many years.
2
The Republicans aren't the only ones coming after Hillary with "every condescending, misogynist, distorted thing they've got." Take a long look in the mirror.
22
Pay no attention to what any politician says. Words mean nothing to them. They're just buttons to push in the right combination to garner votes. Promises, promises.
Look at the congressional republicans. They all ran against Obamacare, executive amnesty and government spending. And guess what? They've caved on everything.
Look at the congressional republicans. They all ran against Obamacare, executive amnesty and government spending. And guess what? They've caved on everything.
Honestly... I'm tired of the Clintons and the Bushs. Isn't anyone else in this country capable of leading it?
3
Is it worried love that informs your comment, Ms Dowd? Or do you want to provide the Republicans with ammunition? Rest assured, they know how to destruct Hillary Clinton, with lies, if nothing else will work.
4
The only thing that really matters to Clinton, is her own election. Everything else is subject to polling and change.
It didn't work for her in 2008 and she seems to be off to a similar start this cycle, as well.
Having to "find" yourself after 30 years in national politics is a lousy calling card.
It didn't work for her in 2008 and she seems to be off to a similar start this cycle, as well.
Having to "find" yourself after 30 years in national politics is a lousy calling card.
4
The article hit the nail on the head but with the wrong reasons: SHE CAN NOT HELP HERSELF. She will fail again. This time though, there will be nobody to blame. But Herself.
3
Hillary's chance of winning the Presidency depends, in part, on how far to the right the GOP base will drag all of their candidates during the debates. With Ted Cruz in the hunt, the "severely conservative" Mitt of 2012 may now look like a center right candidate.
The funny thing about what you say, Mo, when you describe the Republicans as coming after her "...with every condescending, misogynist, distorted thing they’ve got..." may simply be they are telling the truth. It just appears to you as being condescending, misogynist, distorted. You should list the things these awful Republicans are saying about Hillary, and refute the factual truth each proclaims. It's like listing all the great accomplishments of Hillary as a Senator and as Secretary of State.......you can't.
6
The only thing that should matter about any presidential candidate is do they have what it takes to get things done- to do the job. Are they good executives?Are they visionary? Do they have mental and physical stamina? Do they have a deep understanding and love for the history and complexity of this country? I don't really care if she is a particular "role model", or what her personal relationships are, how often she goes to church, or how she relates to her husband- if she does her job right by the American people, we should be satisfied to leave those more personal issues to her. Sadly, our process of evaluating candidates for higher office resembles a Miss/Mister America contest where appearance, swimsuits, mascara, and a deep desire to give the judges the "correct" answer are the essence of the campaign.
83
Hillary has no accomplishments to stand on, only disasters such as Benghazi and" e-mail=gate " followed by "server-gate".No leadership experience what-so-ever.....I am not a "lotal Democrat",
I vote for the most qualified candidate be it Demo or Republican.
I vote for the most qualified candidate be it Demo or Republican.
5
You cite manufactured issues like Benghazi, e-mail gate, and server-gate. Try not allowing yourself to get distracted by form - look at substance like global warming, tax inequities, healthcare. Whether or not you then support Hilary, at least you'd be standing on real ground.
Agree - Hillary needs to present a toughened-up image. Right now she is too frumpy and grandmotherly, baggy eyes and limp greying hair. Where are her stylists? Her wardrobe advisors? She needs to come back looking tough, crisp, and fresh. I want a Margaret Thatcher, an Angela merkel, or even a Golda Meir. I know she can take on the big boys - she did it in the last campaign, and God knows she is smarter than any of those Republican candidates. And stronger, too. She has GOT to bring that Hillary back again, or she can forget it.
Oh, and owning a gun wouldn't hurt, even if it's not for shooting moose from a helicopter.
Oh, and owning a gun wouldn't hurt, even if it's not for shooting moose from a helicopter.
2
HRC has made poor decisions as SOS, which have weakened our nation's standing as much as hers.
Blaming Benghazi on a video?
Russia and the "reset button"
But of course simply not being a republican (because 100% of the bad money in politics comes from the Kochs, right?) s all met fm mentors here need to know.
Call me an idealist, but I hope the nation remains too good to elect her.
Blaming Benghazi on a video?
Russia and the "reset button"
But of course simply not being a republican (because 100% of the bad money in politics comes from the Kochs, right?) s all met fm mentors here need to know.
Call me an idealist, but I hope the nation remains too good to elect her.
6
How "good" will the nation be if we elect a Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Rick Scott, etc?
1
Ms. Dowd did not touch upon an important issue: Mrs. Clinton "standing by her man" during all of the times he has strayed. As a Baby Boomer and a woman, I would not want my daughter to have handled it the way Mrs. Clinton has. She needs to be a good role model for women in all ways, and in this regard she has let herself - and other women - down.
4
Maybe the reason she keeps so quiet about voting for the Iraq war is that she actually did read the "unpersuading" intelligence summary. If it showed Saddam would be a pushover, as he kind of was, she wouldn't want to miss out on the credit. That happened to the Democrats with the wildly popular, and deceptively easy, Desert Storm.
Always been hard to imagine that she didn't read it.
Always been hard to imagine that she didn't read it.
5
Hillary is engaged in an unopposed march to the democratic nomination, which allows her to avoid controversy while focusing on raising huge sums of money to use in the general election. Her challenge is not reinventing herself. Her challenge is to hold together the progressive Obama alliance while, at the same time, reassembling former elements of the Clinton coalition, such as white, working-class males.
2
Hillary, so far, has acted as if she should not have to go through all this campaigning again. She doesn’t like it. And as we’ve seen before, when Hillary doesn’t like something, eventually something very unfortunate happens.
4
Dear Maureen,
Great Article ! I will vote for a woman for the following reasons.
1-She must be knowledgeable about Foreign Policy
2-She must be compassionate for the disenfranchised.
3-She must be highly intelligent
4-She must be able to stand up to pressure
5-She must have given birth & is a Grand Mother
6-She must be feminine, and remind me of my Mother
7-She must have a sense of humor, & love music.
8-She must be Hillary
.
Great Article ! I will vote for a woman for the following reasons.
1-She must be knowledgeable about Foreign Policy
2-She must be compassionate for the disenfranchised.
3-She must be highly intelligent
4-She must be able to stand up to pressure
5-She must have given birth & is a Grand Mother
6-She must be feminine, and remind me of my Mother
7-She must have a sense of humor, & love music.
8-She must be Hillary
.
4
Well, we can agree that Hillary is Hillary.
The rest of your criteria - too funny.
Ask the White House Travel office team, and the serial victims of Bill's assaults, about Hillary's "Compassion."
Since "Foreign Policy" is so important to you - please go ahead and detail Hillary's accomplishments in that arena.
"She must be feminine." Guffaw. Truly.
The rest of your criteria - too funny.
Ask the White House Travel office team, and the serial victims of Bill's assaults, about Hillary's "Compassion."
Since "Foreign Policy" is so important to you - please go ahead and detail Hillary's accomplishments in that arena.
"She must be feminine." Guffaw. Truly.
3
I need only one reason to vote for Hillary, and that's the Supreme Court!
15
I hope the Democrats nominate The Hillary--
1. She is old and tired and looks it.
2. She is wealthy and out of touch with the people.
3. The Clinton scandals and baggage appear to have no limit.
A solid Republican who runs a good campaign will beat her. In fact, given the state of the electoral map nowadays, she may be the only Democrat who is able to be beaten by a Republican.
1. She is old and tired and looks it.
2. She is wealthy and out of touch with the people.
3. The Clinton scandals and baggage appear to have no limit.
A solid Republican who runs a good campaign will beat her. In fact, given the state of the electoral map nowadays, she may be the only Democrat who is able to be beaten by a Republican.
8
Sorry, Ms. Dowd, but Elizabeth II, Queen of 16 of the 53 Commonwealth nations, is in actuality the most famous woman in the world.
6
Given the total absence of intelligent discussion of issues I think the number one issue this early in the process is the press. The single most powerful factor in perpetuating this inane circus.
11
I like the idea of a female Democrat as President who is as tough as Ma Barker and Golda Meier.
4
The country sees Hillary for exactly what she is, a fraud. She is constantly trying to convince people she is something she is not, following poll driven lines of political ideology, instead of being a real person with true convictions about anything.
6
She will win and win big because we know more about her than the GOP boys, who are smarmy and mean-spirited, yet claim to be Christians. And she will win because she is smart, smart, smart.
8
None of us are just one thing, but this incessant reinvention of public persona by Hillary is way over the top and scary even.
Hokey Chipotle Granny, HOKEY is most certainly the operative term.
Wonder how many times Abraham Lincoln reinvented himself for purely political purposes.
Is anyone real running for the highest office in the land? Certainly not the ever changing Mrs. Clinton.
How terribly disappointing if this is all the Democratic Party offers up for 2016. Reflects the depth and resilience of a single sheet of wet toilet paper.
Hokey Chipotle Granny, HOKEY is most certainly the operative term.
Wonder how many times Abraham Lincoln reinvented himself for purely political purposes.
Is anyone real running for the highest office in the land? Certainly not the ever changing Mrs. Clinton.
How terribly disappointing if this is all the Democratic Party offers up for 2016. Reflects the depth and resilience of a single sheet of wet toilet paper.
10
Presumably you yourself are EXACTLY THE SAME as you were twenty-five years ago.
2
Do you honestly think that someone like Lincoln would get nominated by either the Reps or Dems in 2016? He'd be considered way too liberal for either party by today's standards.
1
Hillary doesn't need to pattern anything after Margaret Thatcher. There are other women heads of state she can look to, among them Angela Merkel. Among other attributes she has intelligence and courage and needs only to be herself. Slough off the criticism and full speed ahead, Hillary.
5
OK, Ms. Dowd, we get it. You hate Hillary Clinton. Can't you write about any other topic?
27
HIllary, dillary doc
The time's run out on her clock.
Either Warren or Webb
Could also beat Jeb
Each is a better rock.
The time's run out on her clock.
Either Warren or Webb
Could also beat Jeb
Each is a better rock.
5
"SCRUBBED the femininity away"? I'm sure a light wiping is all it took. Look, it's not masculinity or femininity that will keep Hillary out of the White House. It's her utter lack of candor and unflagging secrecy to hide her views from the public. Views that she knows are not broadly popular with the American people. I dare her to say where she really wants to take this country. Her ratings will plummet so fast, she'll get a nose bleed.
11
Hiliary's campaign theme song should be: "Yesterday."
Everything about the woman screams that she is rooted in the last century. Her public interfaces are scripted, over-produced and laughably wooden. The result is that she reveals herself as a flinty grandmother trying to be a hip politician. That will never happen. There is no bit of humility that shines through in Mrs. Clinton. She pretends to care but is simply tamping down her annoyance.
Hiliary might be right for the Democrat party in that she is easily electable -- the Democrats cannot control her, though. Hiliary is wrong for America. Let her stay in her mansions and manage her multimillion dollar Foundations.
I see no compelling reason that she should be president other than her own vanity.
Everything about the woman screams that she is rooted in the last century. Her public interfaces are scripted, over-produced and laughably wooden. The result is that she reveals herself as a flinty grandmother trying to be a hip politician. That will never happen. There is no bit of humility that shines through in Mrs. Clinton. She pretends to care but is simply tamping down her annoyance.
Hiliary might be right for the Democrat party in that she is easily electable -- the Democrats cannot control her, though. Hiliary is wrong for America. Let her stay in her mansions and manage her multimillion dollar Foundations.
I see no compelling reason that she should be president other than her own vanity.
7
All candidates should seem to be everything to everyone. Hillary included. That is what we call democracy.
Who cares? How many more days of this drivel must we face?
13
Too many days of this incessant nonsense are in our future.
1
i will be voting for a woman for president again in 2016 of course once again it will be for Jill Stein. hey i am not a hillary fan and never have been. i am a fan of the nyt but i gotta ask do you all just keep dowd on the payroll for the snark cause she has shown for quite awhile that she does not get it. there are real issues for america and she just wants to snark on personality. dowd you are hubris
7
Yup!! Nana Clinton !!
1
Perhaps if Hillary had a single accomplishment to tout in her career, she wouldn't be such a hard sell. The only visible attribute that makes her attractive, and then only to Democrats, is that she is a female.
8
In some cultures the grandmother is a powerful figure.
6
Then that's where she should go.
2
So, Maureen, if you're a woman who takes a tough position on terrorism, you're bellicose. If you're a man, you're strong. If you're a woman and you speak your mind you're muscular. If you're a man, you're principled. In no other political commentary in this paper or anywhere else do I find references to a male candidate's gender. Why do you have to make it your centerpiece for criticism of this person who has served her country admirably? As for me, I'm not interested in what reproductive parts a candidate possesses. I am more interested in ideas, policies and doing what's right for our country.
17
Your comment about a woman "...who has served her country admirably," is a good point.
I, too, support Condaleezza Rice.
I, too, support Condaleezza Rice.
5
Ms. Dowd deserves full marks for her intellectual honesty. She is sincerely frustrated by the fact that, from a pool of 330 million, Democrats could produce only one prospect deemed worthy of representing this nation. That this disingenuous relic is so obviously flawed is not the fault of Ms. Dowd. Those that lambast Dowd for her criticism reveal themselves - hard core ideologues incapable of introspection. I, for one, enjoy her acerbic, acidy wit, no matter the target.
8
Why doesn't Ms. Dowd use her bully pulpit to promote a more worthy candidate?
Thank you Ms Dowd. Very thought provoking.
Can you, then, give us anything like "The antithesis to Hillary's shape shifting"? Or, "The antithesis to the regimented GOP spew"? Love to hear your put on John Kasich.
Can you, then, give us anything like "The antithesis to Hillary's shape shifting"? Or, "The antithesis to the regimented GOP spew"? Love to hear your put on John Kasich.
1
Is everyone else going to give Mareen a pass for calling Obama "effeminate" -- even if only for the sake of making a facile comparison?
Her past complaints have centered around him being 'cold' and 'Spock-like' -- which many of us have appreciated as a cooler head in times of partisan hysteria. But 'effeminate'? Really?
Her past complaints have centered around him being 'cold' and 'Spock-like' -- which many of us have appreciated as a cooler head in times of partisan hysteria. But 'effeminate'? Really?
15
Correction: 'feminized man'
1
Well he is kind of effeminate. ...that may be one of the most hushed - over remaining issues of this presidency.
2
Maureen, the worldly woman, should know that Hillary Clinton won the NY Senate seat by first going on a listening tour all over the state, informing herself about the subjects that voters were most concerned about. Being a newcomer to the state, her detailed knowledge about it surprised even the biggest skeptics.
As a naturalized citizen from what Republicans so endearingly call socialist Europe, I sometimes split my ticket because politics is indeed local in the US, much more than abroad.
After all the fear, insult and hate mongering against President Obama following the catastrophic presidency of the most anti-intellectual presidency in decades with Cheney as the Grey Eminence behind the throne, I would not even vote for a Republican for dog catcher, even if he is the nicer and fuzzier person.
In addition, should a Republican appoint one or more candidates for the SCOTUS, I seriously consider to go back to where I came from, an advice I always get by the right when I voice any criticism of the 'greatest country in the world.
As a naturalized citizen from what Republicans so endearingly call socialist Europe, I sometimes split my ticket because politics is indeed local in the US, much more than abroad.
After all the fear, insult and hate mongering against President Obama following the catastrophic presidency of the most anti-intellectual presidency in decades with Cheney as the Grey Eminence behind the throne, I would not even vote for a Republican for dog catcher, even if he is the nicer and fuzzier person.
In addition, should a Republican appoint one or more candidates for the SCOTUS, I seriously consider to go back to where I came from, an advice I always get by the right when I voice any criticism of the 'greatest country in the world.
20
Spot in Sarah!
In other words, you've become a reflexive, unthinking voter....
...which makes you a perfect fit among those who voted for Obama's pigment, and will vote for Hillary's labia.
"...anti-intellectual presidency..."
Hmmm....almost as if someone had hidden his academic background.
...which makes you a perfect fit among those who voted for Obama's pigment, and will vote for Hillary's labia.
"...anti-intellectual presidency..."
Hmmm....almost as if someone had hidden his academic background.
3
We the little people are in quite the dilemma regarding the 2016 presidential election--but who cares and who is asking us anyway.
So for the Democratic Party presidential nomination our choice seems to be: Will it be hawk-eye Hillary Clinton or it-takes-a-village Hillary Clinton? The Hillary identity crisis continues.
Why does Hillary need all these consultants (200 is a bit much) and handlers around her to tell her what to think and how to act?
I recently finished reading Doris Kerns-Goodwin's fine book about Lincoln ("Team of Rivals"). Lincoln was a man who listened to advice, but knew whose advice to take when puzzled (it was generally Seward's), and ultimately made up his own mind and took full personal responsibility for his decisions. I feel Elizabeth Warren has similar qualities, but Hillary does not--maybe because she really doesn't know who she is yet. Sorry, but H.C. comes off as just too eager to BE President and so seems to be trying to please all constituencies. What and where is her core? If she is president, she'll need that core when crunch time comes.
But then consider the alternative to Hillary. Which of the many Republican presidential hopefuls will get the GOP nomination? Will it be ultra crony capitalist Jeb Bush, or one of the gaggle of red-meat baiters pandering to the Kochs & the angry hate-government base?
I will vote for Hillary, because she does not come from a mean, stupid, & crazed party. But we deserve more than a Hobson's Choice.
So for the Democratic Party presidential nomination our choice seems to be: Will it be hawk-eye Hillary Clinton or it-takes-a-village Hillary Clinton? The Hillary identity crisis continues.
Why does Hillary need all these consultants (200 is a bit much) and handlers around her to tell her what to think and how to act?
I recently finished reading Doris Kerns-Goodwin's fine book about Lincoln ("Team of Rivals"). Lincoln was a man who listened to advice, but knew whose advice to take when puzzled (it was generally Seward's), and ultimately made up his own mind and took full personal responsibility for his decisions. I feel Elizabeth Warren has similar qualities, but Hillary does not--maybe because she really doesn't know who she is yet. Sorry, but H.C. comes off as just too eager to BE President and so seems to be trying to please all constituencies. What and where is her core? If she is president, she'll need that core when crunch time comes.
But then consider the alternative to Hillary. Which of the many Republican presidential hopefuls will get the GOP nomination? Will it be ultra crony capitalist Jeb Bush, or one of the gaggle of red-meat baiters pandering to the Kochs & the angry hate-government base?
I will vote for Hillary, because she does not come from a mean, stupid, & crazed party. But we deserve more than a Hobson's Choice.
4
Finding political hypocrisy is not difficult. No one is without flaws, Democrats or Republicans are sullied by an electoral system so flawed as to be almost unredeemable. Now that the Supreme Court has removed subtlety from government for sale, we seek a candidate who represents a true majority. Unfortunately, a minority controls a majority of our wealth. There may be no candidate free from narcissism or obligation, but snarking Mrs. Clinton, while creative, plays into the same biases Obama bashers use to hide their inherent gender and racial prejudices.
2
"...after she fell behind to a feminized man denouncing it."
President Obama is not a feminized man; he is simply an evolved man who has shed any vestige of the "ugga ugga-type man" like Frat Boy Bush and Darth Vader Cheney whom Maureen uses as examples of men. A difference is wars started and economic disasters promulgated by those stereotypical gendered "men". Come one, Mo, evolve!
President Obama is not a feminized man; he is simply an evolved man who has shed any vestige of the "ugga ugga-type man" like Frat Boy Bush and Darth Vader Cheney whom Maureen uses as examples of men. A difference is wars started and economic disasters promulgated by those stereotypical gendered "men". Come one, Mo, evolve!
21
very little hope that the fast food granny will morph into the fast lane chick, no matter what her nature is...sadly the dialogue is between the media and the branders who serve their infotainment needs (product and vendor if you will), with we the people merely the consumer base, dumbed down by the ads.
2
Every Sunday for I guess maybe the next 9 years we will awake to read Dowd's psychoanalysis of Hillary. Maybe others will be based on the high degree of personal contact and research that we find on SNL. Ms. Dowd has the intelligence and the access to delve into a vital issue such as the forced migration of Sunnis that has arisen due to the war with Isis. Instead we get these Caty columns until we have the GOP in the White House. Then she wakes up and it's all for real and she talks policy, but then it's too late. This morning there was a report that several of the prospective candidates in the GOP support an attack on nuclear facilities in Iran. Many experts have argued that this will be both ultimately ineffective and result in thousands of immediate collateral casualties as well as thousands more who die do to cancer caused by irradiation. If that takes place all of you who hate Hilary can comfort yourselves by saying "Sure this is bad but at least the new GOP president doesnt drive around in a van with a stupid name like "Scooby"
8
In other words, your "argument" is that unnamed sources have misrepresented what unnamed candidates supposedly said, have projected an extreme outcome, have wildly exaggerated the potential implications of that imagined, unattributed, exaggerated outcome - which the uninformed and unthinking swallow unthinkingly - and you'll base your decision upon that.
Well done. Little question regarding how you'll vote.
Well done. Little question regarding how you'll vote.
2
If you are not concerned about concentration of power in the Executive - you should be. If you are not concerned about further concentration of Executive power in two families - you should be. The Clintons and Bushes, historically entrenched in a system run by moneyed elites, are unlikely to confront it. NoBushClinton2016 is a rallying cry for action to end the Bush and Clinton dynasties and take a new direction in national leadership. The campaign began with the recent NoBushClinton2016 post on the http://www.libertytakeseffort.com blog. It has expanded to include the sale of stickers at http://www.nobushclinton2016.com . Join the effort.
3
Hilly can't 'campaign as a WOMAN'?! She can't campaign as man, woman, boy or girl . . . ONLY as QUEENY-in-the-WINGS, waiting to be crowned next prez.
She don't need to do no stinkin' campaign stuff; that's only for the commoners---that's what makes her so MAD (in every sense of the word), and galls her that she even has to even TRY to get out amongst the unwashed.
I mean really . . . Marie Antoinette simply admonished the Frenchie folks to eat cake, and didn't have to partake of it alongside the madding crowd, as Hilly had to at Chipotle last week. That's really expecting A LOT from AMERICAN ROYALTY!!
Well, good luck to 'ya, lefties . . . and this was just Act I of the Hilly campaign production. Can't wait for Act II.
She don't need to do no stinkin' campaign stuff; that's only for the commoners---that's what makes her so MAD (in every sense of the word), and galls her that she even has to even TRY to get out amongst the unwashed.
I mean really . . . Marie Antoinette simply admonished the Frenchie folks to eat cake, and didn't have to partake of it alongside the madding crowd, as Hilly had to at Chipotle last week. That's really expecting A LOT from AMERICAN ROYALTY!!
Well, good luck to 'ya, lefties . . . and this was just Act I of the Hilly campaign production. Can't wait for Act II.
2
Win-ning!
What American politics needs are more men with compassion than more women with masculine qualities. If our civilization is to survive, we need to combine strength with caring and compassion. A recent study shows that men are 700% more likely to commit a violent crime than women are. God help us if we train or expect our women to move towards that direction too. American politics has always stressed strength and masculinity. For a change, it would be refreshing to see if someone can win by stressing decency, humanity, a little humility and compassion.
80
Maureen Dowdy failed to mention Mrs. Clinton's real role:
Helping Bill run for a third term. The last thing the country needs.
Helping Bill run for a third term. The last thing the country needs.
4
Because all that peace and prosperity was so bad? Because the Bush years (any Bush) were better?
Please.
Please.
1
And just who are you supporting Ms. Dowd and how do you really know this person? People are noticing Hillary runs as whatever her advisers or focus groups tell her too. How do you vote for someone when you don't know who they really are? I know She wants the presidency, I know what jobs she has had, I'm not sure I can name any milestone accomplishments. So why would I vote for a creation of advisors and focus groups. Not to mention her campaign screams of fake, no real people need apply, don't call us, we'll call you,vet you, and then we'll sit down in a staged scene in a diner and play nicey-nice. We already voted for a fake candidate that we didn't know and the world is a mess, the economy is a mess, unemployment is (real unemployment not more fake stuff) around 15% with 93,million out of work.
It's time for a real person with real beliefs to run this place before it is too late. Hillary seems to have or be neither, yet the MSM is embarrassing themselves as never before fawning over some group of advisers latest creation. Aren't you people just feeling a wee bit silly? Do they wonder at all why the public does not take them seriously anymore?
It's time for a real person with real beliefs to run this place before it is too late. Hillary seems to have or be neither, yet the MSM is embarrassing themselves as never before fawning over some group of advisers latest creation. Aren't you people just feeling a wee bit silly? Do they wonder at all why the public does not take them seriously anymore?
3
Madame Hillary is so flawed that attributing her political acts to her application of, or lack of femininity under particular circumstances is nothing more than providing a false excuse for Hillary's failure to win against Obama - frankly, once the proverbial 'race' card was used against Bill and Hillary, her chances of success against the Left's intense drive to create the historic presidency. All thoughts of competency were pushed aside, as if the elevation of a junior Senator to the Office of the Presidency would automatically provide him/her with the necessary moxie to deal with all the domestic and foreign problems traditionally facing the US President.
Breaking News: it doesn't!
Breaking News: it doesn't!
2
A lot of dead people wish Hillary had been "weak and right".
4
To be fair you could be talking about Bush and Cheney to the tune of thousands of people and trillions of dollars.
Maureen Dowd's critical approach to Hillary Clinton is entirely appropriate. We don't know where Mrs. Clinton stands on any of the important issues of the day. Therefore, I say fire away at what the campaign is presenting, which so far has been all marketing and no substance on what we really need to know to make an informed decision. The really concerning thing is that Democratic voters are demanding so little of their leading candidate. It smacks of a coronation based on personality rather than a substantive debate on which Democrat has the best ideas.
3
'We don't know where Mrs. Clinton stands on any of the important issues of the day.'
Seriously? Have you been napping the last twenty-five years? There are few people on the planet whose views have been aired and discussed and dissected more than Hillary Clinton's.
Seriously? Have you been napping the last twenty-five years? There are few people on the planet whose views have been aired and discussed and dissected more than Hillary Clinton's.
1
You are right. I must have been asleep. Tell me, where does she stand on Obamacare? Would she change it? How about the Keystone pipeline? And what is her position on oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean? How about gun control, what are her ideas on that? And how about ongoing negotiations with Iran? Does she favor the current deal? Wake me up when you find the answers!
1
We are in an untenable situation. Our politics, indeed our social relations, are riven by the fact that most of us are living in one or the other of two wildly incompatible realities.
I do not cast my votes on the basis of "likeability" --- it is most unlikely that I will ever have a beer or even a coffee with a candidate once elected. And no candidate is ever completely satisfactory but in my reality that is to be expected.
Hilary is certainly not without faults but when it comes time to pull the lever, I will do so for the candidate who, to a significant degree, shares my sense of reality. I judge that Ms. Clinton does (and evidently Ms. Dowd does not).
Simply put, I do not want someone who is a raving lunatic given access to the nuclear codes or the power to appoint someone to SCOTUS. If you pull the curtain shut behind you and imagine a SCOTUS with another Scalia or two, the choice becomes inescapable.
I do not cast my votes on the basis of "likeability" --- it is most unlikely that I will ever have a beer or even a coffee with a candidate once elected. And no candidate is ever completely satisfactory but in my reality that is to be expected.
Hilary is certainly not without faults but when it comes time to pull the lever, I will do so for the candidate who, to a significant degree, shares my sense of reality. I judge that Ms. Clinton does (and evidently Ms. Dowd does not).
Simply put, I do not want someone who is a raving lunatic given access to the nuclear codes or the power to appoint someone to SCOTUS. If you pull the curtain shut behind you and imagine a SCOTUS with another Scalia or two, the choice becomes inescapable.
7
Correct. This is why I support Ted Cruz.
1
I am amused by those who criticize Ms Dowd's comment about Hillary. Why are you surprised? She is consistent in her criticism and to just tells it without sugar coating it. She does not play to the narrative that her handlers create or perpetuate. To me, Ms Dowd peels back the layers like an onion and shows Hillary for who she really is, a very unflattering picture.of her
I am probably Ms Dowd's harshest critic when it comes to her comments about President Bush. But again, to her credit her comments have remained consistent and very direct. She does not flip flop. I have to give her credit for that. I cannot criticize her any futther because her commemts will cross against both parties.I have to publicly say I respect her consistency and accuracy
I am probably Ms Dowd's harshest critic when it comes to her comments about President Bush. But again, to her credit her comments have remained consistent and very direct. She does not flip flop. I have to give her credit for that. I cannot criticize her any futther because her commemts will cross against both parties.I have to publicly say I respect her consistency and accuracy
6
To those who say "Why is she referred to as Hillary? Sexist!" I have only one answer: because SHE refers to herself as Hillary. She and her campaign team and backers. Which is because there already was a president called "Clinton" if you recall.
As for "Why is her personality criticized so much? Why don't they ask the GOP candidates what their motivation for running is? Sexist!" It's because she runs entirely on personality/name recognition, zero on policy. The GOP candidates all have issues that they run on.
The most Hillary's campaign can muster in the way of issues is to invent a hopefully-catchy new word for ordinary Americans, "everyday Americans". That hashtag hasn't exactly done well, since there's no policy behind it.
As for "Why is her personality criticized so much? Why don't they ask the GOP candidates what their motivation for running is? Sexist!" It's because she runs entirely on personality/name recognition, zero on policy. The GOP candidates all have issues that they run on.
The most Hillary's campaign can muster in the way of issues is to invent a hopefully-catchy new word for ordinary Americans, "everyday Americans". That hashtag hasn't exactly done well, since there's no policy behind it.
3
Yes the Republican candidates all have issues they run on, catering to the 1%, giving us another war, treating women, gay people and people of color like second class citizens......
1
Well, #SupremeCourt would be enough for me. The Turn Back The Clock Gang in the GOP are all about punitive legislation for women. Sorry, that is the fact.
Their personalities don't help either, if that is the criteria.
Their personalities don't help either, if that is the criteria.
She is _The Hillary_. We don't want her confused with all those girls next door named Hillary.
Some of us feel that "big money" (i.e., the Koch brothers) negatively affects our elections, so one would also think that it--control of a campaign--not petty remarks (e.g., one's gender,) is the point.
Coping with a deadline, Mr. D., actually engages in "overcorrecting" herself.
But it's the ability to do the job that is the point, right?
Coping with a deadline, Mr. D., actually engages in "overcorrecting" herself.
But it's the ability to do the job that is the point, right?
Soros money too, don't forget. And Hollywood money, too.
And ABC/NBC/CBS/CNN/MSNBC money as well.
Oh, and Time/NewsWeek/NYT/BostonGlobe/LATimes and hundreds of other newspapers' money, too, don't forget.
And the university payrolls? Don't get me started. That money too, don't forget.
And ABC/NBC/CBS/CNN/MSNBC money as well.
Oh, and Time/NewsWeek/NYT/BostonGlobe/LATimes and hundreds of other newspapers' money, too, don't forget.
And the university payrolls? Don't get me started. That money too, don't forget.
1
Her problem is that a criminal can't run as a criminal.
5
No. But they can, and often do, become one.
Dowd is the wrongest person in the galaxy to be parsing the gender distinctions happening in our time. Stuck in SNL world, with a worn out vocabulary from her own heyday, Dowd's scatting, hiccuping overcorrections are making her look way older than Hillary and simply as out of touch as a "chick" can be.
She thinks Obama is a feminized man? Oh, Jeez!
She thinks Obama is a feminized man? Oh, Jeez!
18
And so it begins.
We - our own worst enemies.
Girls outnumber boys.
We - our own worst enemies.
Girls outnumber boys.
5
Unfortunately, so true. The title of this sexist rant says it all. We're bound for another GOP Presidency, and when that happens the country will hit rock bottom.
1
And why is that?
"As she hits the trail again, Hillary is a blur of competing images, .."
Showing what a phony Hillary really is.
Showing what a phony Hillary really is.
5
I just hope the democrats and independents run more than one candidate. I like Hillary, but I want her to have competition, someone who can balance out the democratic picture on the opposite side of wing nut.
4
With all these competing public personalities, at odds with each other and neither true or false, one has to ask what or where is the real Ms. Clinton?
I guess it's in there somewhere. Can she find or will she show her real self after all the PR public portrayal goop of groping in the political darkness for so many years? Unfortunately for us, as we have so often seen, the unveiling probably won't happen until after she wins the election, leaving us to take what's there then. Why are our choices always so programed and preordained? So much for the two party electoral system. That's what really needs changing.
I guess it's in there somewhere. Can she find or will she show her real self after all the PR public portrayal goop of groping in the political darkness for so many years? Unfortunately for us, as we have so often seen, the unveiling probably won't happen until after she wins the election, leaving us to take what's there then. Why are our choices always so programed and preordained? So much for the two party electoral system. That's what really needs changing.
1
HRC is on point and target. The race is now a marathon as sprinters will run out of money early. The timespan is long and grueling. Tiresome. My argument, like your's Ms. Dowd, the RNC will lambast Mrs. Clintion without mercy or pause. Most women and many men will be affronted by these personal tirades because it will ultimately sink in that the Republican Party has no room for women except twisted mouth, burned-out, ex-CEO, Carly.
5
And the gender obsession continues. it's so fresh and original,I can't get enough no matter how many columns Ms. Dowd writes with this theme, year in and year out, year after year. Keep up the good work!
3
The interesting thing is that when you think of Hillary as a man, "he" is really not much different than all the other men in the race, which is not saying much for her. There doesn't seem to be very much that is unique about her, other than that she is a "her." If she had said the things she is saying now, six years ago, she would have some credibility, but that is not the case at all, and on top of it, she carries a lot of baggage, namely him.
1
Dear Ms. Dowd,
So Ms. Clinton is as variable as the wind?
If your column was an attempt to somehow impress me with "The Woman Who Would Be King", it has failed.
Her "van" is a gimmick, her "advisers" manipulate her and her "image" and her true stand on anything seems simple enough:
a. GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE, bad
b. Me and the Democratic machine, good.
On the brighter side, she does look better than all 19 or so Republicans clamoring for the presidency sort of like the old hack "the smartest kid in the dumb row".
Politics in this country has become a pastime for millionaires and billionaires with actual "leadership" a scant ghost in the background. Dynasties funded by the wealthy seem the norm and plummeting voter turnout a joy to those who seek power and money, an interchangeable commodity in both parties lately.
2016 will be hardly a change no matter who wins the election.
So Ms. Clinton is as variable as the wind?
If your column was an attempt to somehow impress me with "The Woman Who Would Be King", it has failed.
Her "van" is a gimmick, her "advisers" manipulate her and her "image" and her true stand on anything seems simple enough:
a. GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE, bad
b. Me and the Democratic machine, good.
On the brighter side, she does look better than all 19 or so Republicans clamoring for the presidency sort of like the old hack "the smartest kid in the dumb row".
Politics in this country has become a pastime for millionaires and billionaires with actual "leadership" a scant ghost in the background. Dynasties funded by the wealthy seem the norm and plummeting voter turnout a joy to those who seek power and money, an interchangeable commodity in both parties lately.
2016 will be hardly a change no matter who wins the election.
2
with so many crazies on the other side, Dowd could write us a biting article on the leadership crisis on the right. Instead, we get more Hillary-as-magnificent-manipulative-actress-politician.
3
Image, image, image. It's all about projecting the marketable image.
What's the substance? Who is she, really?
What's the substance? Who is she, really?
60
Yes, at least we know Huckabee cooked squirrels in his popcorn popper. Good to know.
Apparently you were too young to vote in the last election. Ms. Clinton campaigned for months on the issues.
Additionally, I will vote for anyone but a Republican. The idea of a Republican again just when the country has gotten back on its' feet after suffering at the hands of Bush/Cheney is something I cannot fathom. The Republic will resume its' withering if a Republican is at the helm.
Additionally, I will vote for anyone but a Republican. The idea of a Republican again just when the country has gotten back on its' feet after suffering at the hands of Bush/Cheney is something I cannot fathom. The Republic will resume its' withering if a Republican is at the helm.
Well, you have a very, very, very, very long time to find out. And it will be repeated many, many, many, many, many times. After all, there are only about 17 months to go before the election. We better get moving!!!!!
What has happened to the Democrat party that in 2015 Hillary Clinton is the only person in the party that is deemed fit to represent the nation as president?
4
This seems natural and organic to me. As the Dems more to a greater and greater totalitarian model for society, why not engineer successions, too? At this point what difference does it make?
1
Well, Ms. Dowd, how about a column about some Republicans (and there are so many) who try to mix masculinity with tenderness, generosity with religiosity? Instead of savaging the Clintons, you can take on others who speak in code.
Take Scott Walker, who recently said that, after all, marriage is "a personal thing." He was talking, of course, about marriage equality (aka "same-sex marriage").
How's that: Marriage is a personal thing. For everyone? You mean, you don't need a license anymore or a minister to say "By the authority invested in me by the state, I pronounce you --"?
That's a new one.
For some years now, Ms. Dowd, you've been, like Ahab, on an astonishingly narrow pursuit.
But there are nastier fish to fry.
Take Scott Walker, who recently said that, after all, marriage is "a personal thing." He was talking, of course, about marriage equality (aka "same-sex marriage").
How's that: Marriage is a personal thing. For everyone? You mean, you don't need a license anymore or a minister to say "By the authority invested in me by the state, I pronounce you --"?
That's a new one.
For some years now, Ms. Dowd, you've been, like Ahab, on an astonishingly narrow pursuit.
But there are nastier fish to fry.
15
Hillary enjoys that invaluable political commodity, sincere authenticity.
...when she is with Bill.
1
This is sarcasm, right?
1
"Let’s hope that the hokey Chipotle Granny will give way to the cool Tumblr Chick in time to teach her Republican rivals — who are coming after her with every condescending, misogynist, distorted thing they’ve got — that bitch is still the new black."
I believe that calling a woman a "bitch" is misogynistic.
I believe that calling a woman a "bitch" is misogynistic.
3
Democrats have to reinvent themselves with every new audience.
Maybe they could just be honest, it would make things easier...as they would be cast from public life for ever.
Maybe they could just be honest, it would make things easier...as they would be cast from public life for ever.
2
Note to HRC: run as a human. Run as yourself. Don't run as a sterotype of anyone, a body or any thing. We don't need any more saviors like Obama or anointed ones like Bush. We need a human in the WH with talent, intelligence and a spine. Good luck. We don't deserve you but I sure hope you win!
3
If she runs as herself, she is sunk.
1
i don't think, she'll try any "mama" trick - it can't work after what she did to Syria, sending weapons of the Libya crime to Aleppo to start a wsr for her own glory - and begat ISIL. that's her "mama" position: Mother of ISIL!
ISIL was conceived with the invasion of Iraq, the disbanding ot the Iraqi government system and army, and the installation of an Iranian-favoring anti=Sunni government.
I am an engineer (female) and I have no clue what it means to "campaign as a woman" just like I have no idea what it means to "program like a woman," "test like a woman," "design like a woman" (unless the product is exclusively or primarily for women), "paint like a woman," "sculpt like a woman," or anything like that.
I would be happy if politicians campaigned like they were not accountable to corporate interests, responsible for their validity of their utterances, exempt from living with their policies...
And I want the male candidates to be judged by their appearance as much as Rodham Clinton is judged by hers (hint: most would flunk if the didn't all wear the same navy blue suits and have just about the same haircut, depending on how much hair they still have).
We have a long way to go when we talk about equality...
I would be happy if politicians campaigned like they were not accountable to corporate interests, responsible for their validity of their utterances, exempt from living with their policies...
And I want the male candidates to be judged by their appearance as much as Rodham Clinton is judged by hers (hint: most would flunk if the didn't all wear the same navy blue suits and have just about the same haircut, depending on how much hair they still have).
We have a long way to go when we talk about equality...
306
Maybe Maureen should stop writing a Biddy Column as they used to say - full of gossip and advice- and Clinton could just run as a candidate, not the representative of all female kind.
1
Thank you. As a woman programmer and kick boxing grandma I couldn't agree more.
1
There will no gender equality because it is impossible.
1
Ms. Hillary is, and will be for the next twelve months, defined by the Republican field of hopefuls. The attacks, as they should be, will be relentless. Ms. Hillary's war chest of $2.5 billion will need to increase to $5.0 billion to fend off these attacks. Think about it, Ms. Hillary will be all about the 'war on women', her only defense for begin in the race.
2
We need to rename this war-- it really is "the War on A Woman." A woman called The Hillary.
Maureen, this IS America. In our country, most Grannies probably already have a gun. The real kind, not a metaphorical one......But,although I agree with your advice about femininity, vulnerability and heart, I believe she sill must campaign like a man. Unfortunately, there are still too many 20th Century -think-like-a-man-regarding-women male voters out there. And not enough female ones who will demand at the voting booth to be able to control their lives. I wish it were not so, but the only way it will change is by the women themselves.
3
After all these years, you would think a politician worthy of presidential consideration would know exactly who they are and how to express that themselves, without a bevy of handlers throwing out silly new trial images every day.
11
Will this one sided cat fight ever end. The endless criticism of Mrs. Clinton, or in fact anything Clinton, is so so tired and predictable.
Now for two wasted columns, Ms. Dowd ridiculed Mrs. Clinton just for being a grandmother and calls Mrs. Clinton's strength and forcefulness...masculine.
Ms. Dowd, your petticoat is showing!
Now for two wasted columns, Ms. Dowd ridiculed Mrs. Clinton just for being a grandmother and calls Mrs. Clinton's strength and forcefulness...masculine.
Ms. Dowd, your petticoat is showing!
25
Maureen, if the citizens of Iowan towns greeted HRC with torchlight parades, you'd advance the idea that her support is coming from Wiccans. So how is a candidate for president supposed to campaign these days? Should she wear a tea shirt that says "Back off!" & have aids passing out detailed party platform statements at every stop on the tour? A public persona modeled after the late Greta Garbo?
11
The peeps are looking for authenticity.
Why can't the lady just be herself?
Why can't the lady just be herself?
8
Give me Elizabeth Warren any day because at least I know what SHE wants OUR Country to be like, with Hillary the only thing I'm sure she wants for OUR Country is for her to be President. I want a Woman President, but I want her to be upfront with her Femininity because what we DON"T NEED is another Macho Gun Toting person as president whether its a man or a woman. The impression I get fromHillary is that this is so far a repeat of 2008, she hires advisors & then lets them dictate her public persona. If I'm going to vote for Hillary I don't want it to be because she won the Democratic Nomination & I have to vote for while holding my nose because I can't even imagine the prospect of having one of those Crazy Republicans as president. I want to vote for Hillary because she STANDS FOR SOMETHING & trumpets that fact on her website, on Facebook, and to Every Republican & calls the Republicans out on Exactly who they are and that they stand up for ONLY the ultra-rich like the Koch Brothers, that if you are Middle Class, Poor Working Class or just Poor the Republican Party DESPISES YOU. Hillary go to the Court Jesters of OUR Country - Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Jon Oliver, Tine Fey & others - they are the ones who are truly shining a Light on What's Wrong With Our Country - Stand With Them & Forget Your Current Campaign Advisors, because if I HAVE to Vote for You I want it to be because I WANT to Vote for You!
17
God the superficiality of Dowd is tedious. Politics is a shark tank and it's always been tough for women to swim in it but nevertheless many have managed it. Roosevelt, Golda, Mrs Ghandi, Bruntland, Thatcher.
25
Surely 'the most famous woman on the planet' is
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll?
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll?
3
Hillary is just Hillary. She is what she is and that is obvious to almost everyone but her zombie followers. Sure a first women president would be interesting and probably a good thing. Problem it is NOT her.
She like Pres. Obama is a totally flawed candidate and person. Ends always justify the means in the Clinton world. The country was more then ready to vote in a Black American for a variety of reasons. Competence and experience was last on the list. Powell should have run and he would have been elected.
Clinton if she runs might be elected on celebrity alone. She will govern better then Obama but not nearly as well as is needed in these times. Too much calculation and triangulation along with a bloodless, immoral and ruthless persona will drive the country further and further apart. Wrong time wrong person.
She like Pres. Obama is a totally flawed candidate and person. Ends always justify the means in the Clinton world. The country was more then ready to vote in a Black American for a variety of reasons. Competence and experience was last on the list. Powell should have run and he would have been elected.
Clinton if she runs might be elected on celebrity alone. She will govern better then Obama but not nearly as well as is needed in these times. Too much calculation and triangulation along with a bloodless, immoral and ruthless persona will drive the country further and further apart. Wrong time wrong person.
5
"Granny" "Grandma" "Mama" can we give this gender nonsense a rest already?
26
Gender is not nonsense—it's biology.
1
The depth and complexity of Ms. Dowd's contempt for Hillary Clinton amazes me. This offering is typical: 'Hillary used to be awful because she took male advice, and tried to campaign like a man. Now, she's doing something different- and it's even worse because...'
No matter what she does, or where she stand, Hillary always gets a Goldielocks dismissal: 'She's too hot- she's too cold. Oh, my, why doesn't she just give up!?' Dowd seems puzzled that Hillary Clinton's inherent and irredeemable loathsomeness is not apparent to everyone.
I'm not a disappointed Hillary-2008 supporter. I voted for Bill Clinton twice; but I supported Obama. But with each new installment in Ms. Dowd's unrelenting and unreasonable critique of Hillary's political style (it's always about style- never substance) brings me closer to joining up with Team Hillary.
No matter what she does, or where she stand, Hillary always gets a Goldielocks dismissal: 'She's too hot- she's too cold. Oh, my, why doesn't she just give up!?' Dowd seems puzzled that Hillary Clinton's inherent and irredeemable loathsomeness is not apparent to everyone.
I'm not a disappointed Hillary-2008 supporter. I voted for Bill Clinton twice; but I supported Obama. But with each new installment in Ms. Dowd's unrelenting and unreasonable critique of Hillary's political style (it's always about style- never substance) brings me closer to joining up with Team Hillary.
43
I believe you were already joined. Substance? What substance? Her brilliant command of foreign policy? The way she managed her responsibility before and after the Benghazi attack? Or perhaps how she complies with transparency laws? Then there was grace under fire in Boznia? She is definitely a man of the people? That Iowa trip sure proved that.
1
scrubbed out the femininity ? with what, a micropipette ? she obviously didn't miss any.
Annie Oakley is an apt comparison to Hillary Rodham Clinton: an accomplished sharpshooter, she outperformed men and raised funds for orphans. Her accomplishments as a petite 19th C. young woman were remarkable, and she honed her skills into her 60's.
Oakley knew deprivation as a young child, leaving her widowed mother and siblings to be a live-in servant to a couple she anonymously called 'the wolves' for their 'mental and physical cruelty'. Promised wages and education were not forthcoming.
'Oakley's world-wide stardom as a sharpshooter enabled her to earn more money than most of the other performers in the Buffalo Bill show. Gaining financial and economic power, Annie did not forget her roots. She.. often donated and gave to charity organizations for orphans. Beyond her monetary influence, Oakley proved to be a great influence on women.
Oakley promoted women to serve in war, although President Roosevelt rejected her suggestion of women sharpshooters. In Laura Browder's piece "Her Best Shot: Women and Guns In America" Browder discussed how Oakley's stardom gave hope to women and youth. Oakley pushed for women to be independent and educated.
The American cowgirl is an icon by which Oakley provided substantial backing and proof that women are just as capable as men, when given the opportunity.'
So, Granny, Get Your Gun: a keen eye on policy objectives and a good aim are sorely needed; 21st Century sharpshooting is Hillary's forte.
Annie would be so proud.
Rf: Wiki
Oakley knew deprivation as a young child, leaving her widowed mother and siblings to be a live-in servant to a couple she anonymously called 'the wolves' for their 'mental and physical cruelty'. Promised wages and education were not forthcoming.
'Oakley's world-wide stardom as a sharpshooter enabled her to earn more money than most of the other performers in the Buffalo Bill show. Gaining financial and economic power, Annie did not forget her roots. She.. often donated and gave to charity organizations for orphans. Beyond her monetary influence, Oakley proved to be a great influence on women.
Oakley promoted women to serve in war, although President Roosevelt rejected her suggestion of women sharpshooters. In Laura Browder's piece "Her Best Shot: Women and Guns In America" Browder discussed how Oakley's stardom gave hope to women and youth. Oakley pushed for women to be independent and educated.
The American cowgirl is an icon by which Oakley provided substantial backing and proof that women are just as capable as men, when given the opportunity.'
So, Granny, Get Your Gun: a keen eye on policy objectives and a good aim are sorely needed; 21st Century sharpshooting is Hillary's forte.
Annie would be so proud.
Rf: Wiki
24
Rather than her age we should talk about her lack of accomplishment. Her Middle East policy was a disaster. Her Russian policy was equally disastrous. And most importantly, she slept right through her 3 AM phone call from Benghazi.
1
What matters is whether you hit your target or not.
How you came to have and hold your gun matters little.
Brava on your comment!
How you came to have and hold your gun matters little.
Brava on your comment!
1
Great comparison...also Hillary should follow Annie in simply being herself. When you have charisma you really do not need to learn how to be popular...it just is.
1
I do find it ironic how many of the people pointing to Hilary Clinton's age - either directly with the #HilarySoOld tag or Ms Dowd's 'Granny" title are women.
A good proportion of the men in Washington are older, but who every mentions that? And where is the relevance? It's not as if she is of an age where surviving the presidency is an issue.
It's just veiled misogyny - perpetrated by women. Shame on you, Ms. Dowd.
A good proportion of the men in Washington are older, but who every mentions that? And where is the relevance? It's not as if she is of an age where surviving the presidency is an issue.
It's just veiled misogyny - perpetrated by women. Shame on you, Ms. Dowd.
41
I seem to remember theTimes picking on McCain and Romney's age too, get over it. She would 78 at the end of a second term, God save us!
1
"a feminized man" What a cheap shot and untrue. You are on the wrong side of history Maureen.
36
Perhaps it takes one to know one.
2
RBS, we should probably chalk up the use of “feminized” to the writer’s having a temporary case of Roget’s fatigue. Of course, some women are sharply critical of, but personally attracted to, bad boys. Those women often praise gentlemen who are respectful of women, but find such men boring.
Men frequently have a similar conflict and tension about different types of women. Either way, it’s a fact of life and not worth making a big deal about.
Men frequently have a similar conflict and tension about different types of women. Either way, it’s a fact of life and not worth making a big deal about.
Go Hillary! Our country needs you.
15
Go away Hillary! Our country needs you to shut up.
There you go—fixed it for you.
There you go—fixed it for you.
2
Ms. Dowd is correct in her analysis of HIllary Clinton. Nothing she does is natural, spontaneous, improvised--everything is staged, self-conscious, and orchestrated. But I disagree on one point with Ms. Dowd, that the real Hillary is the person we want to see. Oh no. That is the person we don't want to see. That would sink her sooner than her stumbling, bumbling rollout seems to be doing. She will not be the nominee. Her campaign has already begun to implode, and she can't reinvent herself forever until she gets it right. She's no Zelig, though she might want to be.
92
But of course, you realize that nothing any of the candidates does is natural, spontaneous, or improvised, and that everything is staged, self-conscious, and orchestrated for everyone.
It's just that Maureen Dowd is writing this column about Mrs. Clinton.
As always.
You gotta wonder.
It's just that Maureen Dowd is writing this column about Mrs. Clinton.
As always.
You gotta wonder.
1
IMHO, almost everything any candidate does is orchestrated. The only differences is that Mrs. Clinton is a woman and there are double standards for that.
2
Interesting post. The Hillary may run a campaign worse than Al Gore's presidential run, who also has an ever-changing image problem that was so bad it sunk him.
1
I just hope our next leader is intelligent, strong willed and unwilling to be swayed by self-aggrandizing opportunists not matter what faction they represent.
1
Whatever her shortcomings, her good fortune is the GOP. She needs to send Bill on a two year sabbatical, starting now.
2
Well, she must be something considering what you've written in the past. I hope she takes your advice. We don't need the hokey amateurs we have at present in the Congress and across the elected and chosen government. All they prove is that eight years is not nearly enough time to develop a serious practitioner of the Executive Branch. With the enablers in the Court, our only hope is someone strong enough to scare the dickens out of the self-interested bunch. Welcome to the club. I've been the holding the seat for you.
3
I'm really sorry to read all the Maureen bashing in these comments. It seems a lot of Democrats have already caved to a one-candidate coronation, whether they actually like Hillary or not. It's the effect of a party echo chamber, a failure to look at the bigger picture, the general election, all the independent voters out there who may not be as inclined to cut HC some slack. Maureen is just giving you a preview, a head's up, on why Hillary is perhaps not as likable as you, a loyal Democrat, want to believe. This assessment doesn't even include the Clinton penchant for stepping in it. Think about it. The election a year and a half away. Is it wise to put all your eggs in one basket, particularly a Clinton basket?
I care a lot about the issues, which is why I'm not comfortable with a singular front-runner, and especially this front-runner. I'm still holding out hope for an alternative Democrat candidate, and thank you, Maureen, for reminding us why we should.
I care a lot about the issues, which is why I'm not comfortable with a singular front-runner, and especially this front-runner. I'm still holding out hope for an alternative Democrat candidate, and thank you, Maureen, for reminding us why we should.
129
Folks, you've got to stop these condescending "thank you's" to Ms. Dowd. She, like Hillary, doesn't have a clue. Honest....
1
As a life long Democratic voter, I do have to say that I will never vote for the hidden, manipulative, and disingenuous person who is Hillary Rodham Clinton. Enough already. Do we have a Democratic presidential candidate who can lead this country?
2
Thank you for saying exactly what I'm thinking!!
I'm Bushed/Clintoned out!!!!!!
I'm Bushed/Clintoned out!!!!!!
2
Good grief, Maureen, what is it with this obsession you have with the Clintons? Her husband was one of the best and most effective presidents of modern times. We weren't at war and the country prospered. Enough of your Clinton bashing already. We hear you. Move on.
26
I think you want her to be something she is not, Maureen: genuine, likable and honest. Also, unlike the SNL sketch, HRC is not in this election to rescue America from the special interests or to save the middle class. She is in this election for power and to help the special interests who get her elected... I also will add this... We are a year away from this election even starting to matter. She does not need to have issues polished, or be a polished candidate. She has plenty of time to reinvent herself a few more times for voters. We all will get to see it over the months ahead. The real issue is not where she is now, but rather, what Hillary Clinton we will see in the weeks before the election.
5
I wonder how patheticially this country would have failed if Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln had to check polls and image consultants before adopting their "meme" on the campaign trail.
This genuine advice column from a worried Liberal is Exhibit A for why Hillary Clinton would make a terrible President.
Maybe we should wait for her to shake an 8-ball or consult a Ouija Board before deciding on her persona. That would be one way to lock in the over 50 vote.
She is a phony and prone to lying. I think in a country of 300 million we can do better than honor our worst selves and elect someone of her character, regardless of her gender...assigned, taken or otherwise.
This genuine advice column from a worried Liberal is Exhibit A for why Hillary Clinton would make a terrible President.
Maybe we should wait for her to shake an 8-ball or consult a Ouija Board before deciding on her persona. That would be one way to lock in the over 50 vote.
She is a phony and prone to lying. I think in a country of 300 million we can do better than honor our worst selves and elect someone of her character, regardless of her gender...assigned, taken or otherwise.
6
There is nothing wrong with listening or being humble. This does not show weakness but strength.
Women don't need to be bitches to be effective, or mean, or cold or coy.
Guys who are jerks don't get very far (Donald Trump, excepting).
Let Hillary be Hillary and if she is trying out listening and humility in public, maybe having our first woman president might truly be a wonderful revolutionary step forward, towards a more perfect union.
Women don't need to be bitches to be effective, or mean, or cold or coy.
Guys who are jerks don't get very far (Donald Trump, excepting).
Let Hillary be Hillary and if she is trying out listening and humility in public, maybe having our first woman president might truly be a wonderful revolutionary step forward, towards a more perfect union.
17
Trump was born on third base and thought he got a double.
2
The problem with Hillary is she is so afraid to show who she is. She complains about CEO pay, but her and bill have made about 150 million in 14 years through speeches that start at 300K a pop. She rails against hedge fund managers, but wasn't that the job they got Chelsea that helped her buy her multimillion dollar condo in NYC at 30 something. She is not warm, fuzzy, nice or pleasant. SO stop trying to be what you are not. Pick some things that matter to people like jobs and a world gone crazy. Explain how you will fix both and make peoples' lives better. That is what we want to know. Make us want to vote for you; need to vote for you. Stop with the phoniness and staged diner meetings. You are not Bill. You are not Obama and you will never be either of them. They were likeable, smooth and warm. If you continue down this path you will lose. Not the democrat nomination, but the election next year and it will not be close. Your supporters will not come out to vote if you do not give us a real and compelling reason. Be yourself or step aside.
9
Hillary Clinton is practically the only announced Democratic candidate for the party’s presidential nomination, and with the Clinton fund-raising capability and her long years in the public eye, others may be reluctant to enter the field.
The drawback to being a candidate well-known to voters is the history which created that familiarity. The problem of running for president when your husband held the office for eight years is that your history and your husband’s become intertwined in the minds of voters. The net result is that there are a few words and phrases which Mrs. Clinton doesn’t want to hear on the campaign trail.
NAFTA, Whitewater, deleted emails, Benghazi, Iraq invasion, Monica, health care plan, Rwanda, cattle futures and sniper fire in Bosnia are among those things which the candidate would prefer not be mentioned on her motorcade or in any Iowa living room. Hillary Clinton, however, can get through this ordeal by being brave and by remembering the encouraging words spoken to her by Barack Obama in 2008: “You’re likeable enough, Hillary.”
The drawback to being a candidate well-known to voters is the history which created that familiarity. The problem of running for president when your husband held the office for eight years is that your history and your husband’s become intertwined in the minds of voters. The net result is that there are a few words and phrases which Mrs. Clinton doesn’t want to hear on the campaign trail.
NAFTA, Whitewater, deleted emails, Benghazi, Iraq invasion, Monica, health care plan, Rwanda, cattle futures and sniper fire in Bosnia are among those things which the candidate would prefer not be mentioned on her motorcade or in any Iowa living room. Hillary Clinton, however, can get through this ordeal by being brave and by remembering the encouraging words spoken to her by Barack Obama in 2008: “You’re likeable enough, Hillary.”
37
To your list you could perhaps add Bureau of Land Management, Cliven Bundy, snipers in Nevada...
So she's a woman. Get over it already, people. We've had women bosses, women teacher, women community leaders for years now. She need not be a "bitch" to get ahead. Need not be married, or gay, out or in, straight or single.
She needs to do the job, and boy, it is growing daily, the domestic clean up America requires this century. She needs to know money, and not be enthralled by the people who have it or their self-serving opinions. She needs to know her friends from her enemies. She needs to know how to work to push the mission forward, and put herself in the shadows, if needed, to get the work done.
In short, all the pundits and columnists focusing on Mrs. Clinton's lady parts are off base here. This is not about biologically reproducing children, this job. It's a brain job, and the boy v. girl aspect doesn't take into account what the job entails.
It's brain work, Maureen.
And girl brains, and boy brains, ought to get evaluated equally in the run up to this campaign...
Maybe Jeb Bush can be your bitch this go around? Leave Hillary out of such talk. Women CAN win if we evaluate them equally...
She needs to do the job, and boy, it is growing daily, the domestic clean up America requires this century. She needs to know money, and not be enthralled by the people who have it or their self-serving opinions. She needs to know her friends from her enemies. She needs to know how to work to push the mission forward, and put herself in the shadows, if needed, to get the work done.
In short, all the pundits and columnists focusing on Mrs. Clinton's lady parts are off base here. This is not about biologically reproducing children, this job. It's a brain job, and the boy v. girl aspect doesn't take into account what the job entails.
It's brain work, Maureen.
And girl brains, and boy brains, ought to get evaluated equally in the run up to this campaign...
Maybe Jeb Bush can be your bitch this go around? Leave Hillary out of such talk. Women CAN win if we evaluate them equally...
44
Mrs. Clinton is simply not qualified for the job.
Feeling 'entitled' is not enough.
Feeling 'entitled' is not enough.
2
Hillary is not the most famous woman on the planet - Beyonce is :-)
4
Why don't these politicians try something new, like authenticity? You shouldn't have to take a poll or listen to a team of advisors to figure out your beliefs and values. Your characterization of Obama as "feminine" is more an insight into yourself than the President. It took much more strength to oppose the Iraq war than it did to be "strong but wrong".
9
I have a feeling that the more we continue to complain about Maureen's Hillary-bashing columns, the more she'll continue to write these columns.
20
Let's hope that the NYT can get her into some kind of treatment.
1
She bashes, we click.
1
why the nyt continues to print them is a mystery to me.
1
With Hill we get a combo of Hill, Bill and sheer will...
2
It's a question of timing and strategy. The best thing Hillary can do at the moment is to watch the republicans bloody each other. There's lots of time for her to set out her ideas and to stand up to the inevitable garbage.
14
Telling, isn't it, that we've come to the point where supposed national leaders are advised to turn to the schticks of comediennes and entertainers to glean advice for serious affairs. A subtle insight into the mindset involved is revealed with Ms. Dowd's words, "...more authentic". Authenticity is not a characteristic of degree: either you got it or you ain't. Unless, of course, it is an artificial trait you are grooming yourself for.
4
Granny Schreecher and her Burrito Bus are as relevant to this election as a horse and buggy.
At this point, the difference is makes is Hillary is 1990's views and solutions to 21Century reality.
There must be a bingo game somewhere.
At this point, the difference is makes is Hillary is 1990's views and solutions to 21Century reality.
There must be a bingo game somewhere.
4
So far, there are no acceptable candidates for President. And I've been reading about these people for years and it's not interesting, or even funny, anymore. And I'm probably not alone in thinking this.
23
Once again it is time for the 'none of above are acceptable' write in at the top level come election day 2016.
It's simple..every successful leader is comfortable in their own skin. Hillary not.
6
this may well be the most ignorant and offensive comment Ms. Dowd has made in my ten years of reading her column: "after she fell behind to a feminized man denouncing it." You are much better than this. Or at least were at some time.
65
The New York Times has already confirmed that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Hillary was justified in voting for the war.
6
One of the things I never liked about BILL Clinton was that he always had to know which way the political winds were blowing before taking a stand on issues. He had to take a poll before deciding on what to have for breakfast. It seems that characteristic has also rubbed off on Hillary.
As a voter, I would advise her to just do what she believes is right and let the chips fall where they may.
As a voter, I would advise her to just do what she believes is right and let the chips fall where they may.
4
Steve, And there is an Easter Bunny.
1
Problem here is she has no belief as to what is right. What is right is that she wants to win however that has to be done.
And by the way what image comes to mind when you hear the word Grandma, Granny, or whatever. The past for one thing which is exactly what Mario Rubio what you to think of.
And by the way what image comes to mind when you hear the word Grandma, Granny, or whatever. The past for one thing which is exactly what Mario Rubio what you to think of.
1
Maureen Dowd's column on Hillary is frankly-- Hilar-ious. At the same time she points how false are her candidate's various presented images , she seems to assume that "underneath" there is a treasured and valuable person just below the manufactured surface. Why not just admit that if Hillary were a male politician, she/he would be known as having been an undistinguished US senator, an almost invisible Secretary of State (except for the number of countries she/he visited). and a crudely power-hungry political hack?
6
If it's true that Ms. Clinton wants longer leave for new mothers and not new fathers, that is a truly terrible example of sexism. There is some chance that it's not even Constitutional. Also why should a baby whose adoptive parents are two females married to each other have a better future (I'm assuming that "female" is the qualification for "mother" so both parents could take the benefit) than a baby whose parents are a mixed male-female couple, who in turn will have a better future than a baby whose adoptive parents are both males (neither of whom would get the benefit). This country's greatest failure is its inability to define a "person" in conscious and willful disregard to a person's "personality". All persons should have all the same rights, and personalities should be endowed with no rights at all.
1
Ms. Dowd, your columns are getting more like parodies of the old sob sister shockers of the woman's section tabloids. Pre woman's mvmt. We are rolling backward, and Dowd goes over the top.
Have you ever heard of the TPP trade deal Obama's trying to fast track? Very important. What's Hillary's stance on it? Too boring? Check your sources on that and write a column. I'm sure you can tabloid it up a bit.
Have you ever heard of the TPP trade deal Obama's trying to fast track? Very important. What's Hillary's stance on it? Too boring? Check your sources on that and write a column. I'm sure you can tabloid it up a bit.
32
Enough already! We know that the real Hillary is a nasty piece of work, verbally abusive and, at times, physically violent. Just ask her husband. She should just be herself instead of engaging in various personas for public consumption and get on with the real issues. Is she more Obama or more Bill? If not, then how is she different?
2
Isn't Hillary's husband a well known mysogynist?
3
What has she ever accomplished except build a resume and fat bank roll based on the accomplishments of her husband?
6
This is so right. In 2008 she was claiming her experience as to be stowed in the WH for 8 years next to the president.
Mama always said "don't write always" and obviously Maureen never had mama say that to her. Maureen Always accuses those she writes about with using always. Hmmmm. The latest - Hillary "always overcorrects" - well it could be worse than always over correcting.
4
Maureen Dowd will go on making mountains out of Hillary's perceived molehills, but when, compared to her GOP opponents she is a mountain and the likes of Cruz, Christie, Walker, Bush, Rubio, Rand et al are nothing more than puny molehills.
38
Susan,
Not that I am a devout supporter of the current stock of Republican candidates, but at least some of them provide a conviction to an idea, and not follow the current wind.
Not that I am a devout supporter of the current stock of Republican candidates, but at least some of them provide a conviction to an idea, and not follow the current wind.
1
just last week, cruz said people need guns to fight government tyranny. yet hillary's style is more compelling than a presidential candidate advocating armed insurrection against america.
In other words the trouble with Hillary is that. when you're there, there's no "there" there.
4
Surely this must be a prank by the editors. It is inconceivable that Ms. Dowd could actually write yet another column bashing Hillary Clinton. It just cannot be that Ms. Dowd has no one and nothing else to blow curare darts at except Mrs. Clinton. The "Bash Hillary" column by Dowd has become a never-ending moebius strip that we all have ridden in circles for years now. This must be a belated April Fools' Day prank by Dowd.
65
Perhaps Dowd is indeed showing what she believes in and that is that there is no Democratic worthy of the job. Democrat bashing at its best.
Doesn't matter what Dowd writes, even though her assessment is spot on, Hillary, as pathetic as she is, will probably win. As was the case with Obama, the liberal media taking its lead from the NYT will cover Hillary's mistakes and failed policy record only to direct its energies to destroy GOP candidates.
2
I for one am getting tired of Maureen Dowd tearing at the Democrats. How about exposing the other side as a bunch of clowns who only want to enrich themselves and the 1%!
49
Yeah, those greedy Republicans. I mean, Hillary only gets $250,000 a pop for her boring, droning speeches. How can a girl live on that? I mean talk about income inequality! Bill gets four times that! Oh yeah, the Clintons are broke, that's right. She only got a gazillion dollar advance on a book that nobody bought. She only used her job as Secretary of State to make deals with our enemies so she could get money for her Foundation.....
1
Hillary has shown she is a congenital liar and she is a Clinton with a coronation complex. Her disastrous Sec of State and silly re-set button has brought the world closer to WW3. Benghazi is another indication of her imcompetence so no, she is not presidential material.
5
I'm voting for Kate McKinnon. Too bad about the gratuitous dig at Republicans in the last paragraph. This wasn't about them.
1
One of the ironies in this pitch to "everyday Americans" is that the sheer enormity of the Clinton financial juggernaut and its shadow government of a foundation has skewed the nominating process to such an extent that potential challengers have been intimidated away, other options ignored and healthy debate squelched.
What's left, in essence, is a one-voice echo chamber, hardly what could be called populist or progressive. And certainly not encouraging the diversity of views on which the Democratic Party has earned trust from the people.
What's left, in essence, is a one-voice echo chamber, hardly what could be called populist or progressive. And certainly not encouraging the diversity of views on which the Democratic Party has earned trust from the people.
74
If Hillary wants the populist/progressive vote, she'll have to ask Elizabeth Warren to be her running mate.
Dotconnector is spot on - the process is devoid of choice because power is concentrated. If you are not concerned about concentration of power in the Executive - you should be. If you are not concerned about further concentration of Executive power in two families - you should be. The Clintons and Bushes, historically entrenched in a system run by moneyed elites, are unlikely to confront it. NoBushClinton2016 is a rallying cry for action to end the Bush and Clinton dynasties and take a new direction in national leadership. The campaign began with the recent NoBushClinton2016 post on the http://www.libertytakeseffort.com blog. It has expanded to include the sale of stickers at http://www.nobushclinton2016.com . Join the effort.
Where are those allegedly competitive other candidates?
They simply have not put in the work to get themselves positioned where they would need to be in a 21st century campaign. We should reward them for being unready? Really?
Politics ain't beanball. Money matters.
The republicans all know this, and compete within those assumptions. Where are the other democrats already?
Face it... Hillary has put in the years, and understands the game. Post-Obama, it will be good not to have a political neophyte elected into office to hold his gains, and continue pushing forward for the people, the American people.
We can't afford the Bushes, Romneys, Bloombergs, and all the other local Republican politicians who have purchased their offices in recent years. The people need their own needs met, here at home.
It ain't happening now, with all this macho male leadership. Let the lady try her luck. She's earned it already -- let her challengers come already and try to knock her off the hill she's fought so hard to get up. If they can knock her off, they can compete against the Republican guys and their money. Until then, it's Hillary's game and she's doing just fine with her balance of femininity in getting there, Maureen.
They simply have not put in the work to get themselves positioned where they would need to be in a 21st century campaign. We should reward them for being unready? Really?
Politics ain't beanball. Money matters.
The republicans all know this, and compete within those assumptions. Where are the other democrats already?
Face it... Hillary has put in the years, and understands the game. Post-Obama, it will be good not to have a political neophyte elected into office to hold his gains, and continue pushing forward for the people, the American people.
We can't afford the Bushes, Romneys, Bloombergs, and all the other local Republican politicians who have purchased their offices in recent years. The people need their own needs met, here at home.
It ain't happening now, with all this macho male leadership. Let the lady try her luck. She's earned it already -- let her challengers come already and try to knock her off the hill she's fought so hard to get up. If they can knock her off, they can compete against the Republican guys and their money. Until then, it's Hillary's game and she's doing just fine with her balance of femininity in getting there, Maureen.
Honest to God...how many different people are going to suggest the way for Hillary to portray herself? If, after all these years in politics, she STILL has to get advice on how to be herself....then she has got a real problem.
And Ms Dowd....you and many others went after Anne Romney and her husband mercilessly. So no crying about misogyny and condescending, let alone distorting. You've already been there.
And Ms Dowd....you and many others went after Anne Romney and her husband mercilessly. So no crying about misogyny and condescending, let alone distorting. You've already been there.
129
I agree and often wish Ms. Dowd would pull in her claws which at times disfigure her subject and take focus away from the issues at hand.
If Anne Romney had sold her $70,000 horse a few months later than she did and had not classed me and others like me as 'one of those people;' Mr. Romney might be our current president..
Seriously I do not know who Hillary Clinton is. I keep hearing people trying to define her according to their own political outlooks, but that is only their opinions.
She has certain things going for her such as experience as Secretary of State and Senator, plenty of time to make mistakes and learn from them. She has been under intense media scrutiny and weathered the most blistering attacks that seem to come from her gender and association with bill Clinton. I am very interested in learning more of how she will deal with our multiple problems.
As far as her personality no one is completely one thing or another and what would call bitchiness can be called strength by another. One episode can never define a person. A President will never solve all our problems. I am more interested in her flexibility and consistency and caring for individuals and our country. And some of that will come out in this election process. I wish her all the best as she begins this trial.
She has certain things going for her such as experience as Secretary of State and Senator, plenty of time to make mistakes and learn from them. She has been under intense media scrutiny and weathered the most blistering attacks that seem to come from her gender and association with bill Clinton. I am very interested in learning more of how she will deal with our multiple problems.
As far as her personality no one is completely one thing or another and what would call bitchiness can be called strength by another. One episode can never define a person. A President will never solve all our problems. I am more interested in her flexibility and consistency and caring for individuals and our country. And some of that will come out in this election process. I wish her all the best as she begins this trial.
5
The most Hilary-obsessed op-ed columnist on the planet has a confounding problem. She can't figure out how to write as a journalist.
Someone at the Times please write something more substantive about this campaign -- maybe a year from now, at least?
Someone at the Times please write something more substantive about this campaign -- maybe a year from now, at least?
22
Maureen is not a journalist. She's more like Fox News. She provides entertainment.
What exactly is your personal beef with Hillary, Maureen? Enlighten us, please.
30
Obama a 'feminized man'? A tyro? Dowd purports to be an expert on the genders, but clearly she has no idea of what a 'real man' is, in the sense of taking charge. Republicans wouldn't dub his presidency an imperial one if Obama did not press the agenda he has. He guaranteed the auto industry at great political risk, he terminated bin Laden, also at great risk, and these are just a couple of examples. As for being a tyro, who isn't one when assuming the burdens of presidency? Even the great wheeler dealer LBJ was a disaster when it came to foreign affairs.
At least Dowd no longer calls him Barry, but her visceral dislike of the man would seem to disqualify her as a fair minded op ed writer.
At least Dowd no longer calls him Barry, but her visceral dislike of the man would seem to disqualify her as a fair minded op ed writer.
63
Obama's 'guarantee' of the Auto Industry was his simply glomming on to the Bush (Paulson) policy. The political risk was minimal compared to the devastation a complete auto industry collapse would have caused to the economy. It was the obvious choice - hardly heroic. Obama's 'termination' of Osama Bin Ladin was an action any president would have taken under he circumstances - and was done at minimal risk to his presidency ... making it more than that is simply a perversion of reality.
She also appears to have abandoned "O'Bambi." She probably caught too much flack for that nasty, ridiculous insult.
1
Everything Hillary says or does feels to me like a premeditated attempt to influence the electorate, fully vetted by focus group directed political advisers, uninfluenced by deeply held principles. Even when she cries, I sense a weird ploy instead of genuine emotion. Campaign as a man, campaign as a mom, project humility...I don't know what's real and what's put on for public consumption, and I worry she shares my ignorance.
5
The fact that you doubt her sincerity suggests that she is, at worst, a poor lier, which I'm not sure disqualifies her. Most voters, it seems to me, are distracted, disinterested and uninformed (why is a question that begs a serious discussion that we are unlikely to get) – yet in order to get to govern the candidates must win votes. What the candidates do or say tells us more about ourselves than about them.
Hillary Clinton isn't the only person running for President who uses or have ever used focus groups. All candidates do, but of course, the male candidates won't be cricized for it.
1
Maureen, I enjoy your writing (usually) but enough with your trashing Hillary.
28
It was Will Rogers, if I remember right, who said, "I don't belong to any organized political party. I'm a Democrat." But how the times they have a-changed, as it already looks like Democrats are heading into the primary with only one viable candidate. This is way too organized for me. I want to hear the different voices of the talented, experienced, interested Democratic leadership, before we elect the Party's candidate. Perhaps there is not enough money to go around? That is not a rhetorical question. If Clinton has so much money that she cannot be opposed in any meaningful way, that is a situation that Democrats should want to explore extensively.
So how about a few serious-minded Democrats, and perhaps an Independent or so, come out of the woodwork and decide to join Hillary in a run for President? Follow it up with some intelligent public policy discussions that show they appreciate the right of the people to make informed, thoughtful decisions about a candidate. Hillary's advisors and supporters are being more clever than wise. She's not going to know what's on the minds of the people; and she may very well end up losing the election, if there is no real primary contest.
So how about a few serious-minded Democrats, and perhaps an Independent or so, come out of the woodwork and decide to join Hillary in a run for President? Follow it up with some intelligent public policy discussions that show they appreciate the right of the people to make informed, thoughtful decisions about a candidate. Hillary's advisors and supporters are being more clever than wise. She's not going to know what's on the minds of the people; and she may very well end up losing the election, if there is no real primary contest.
7
Hillary says the country is going in the wrong direction...odd coming from the woman who helped steer the ship off course isn't it? Besides, would she actually take time from her shakedown gig as the "foundation" lady peddling influence for sale? Naw.... she's doing what she did in 2008, raise lots of cash she'll keep after she doesn't get the nod again...which seems like the plan all along. The dems want that :Latino" kid who spoke at the DNC..to spring up and seal the deal with the "Hispanics"
7
Hillary is starting small and listening to ordinary people in Iowa & NH. As the likely Republican candidate emerges from the gang of 12+, she can hone in on their flaws. Her listening campaign will help her jell her domestic platform, while picking apart her likely opponent(s).
Remember we may need those 2 states to vote for her in 2016 to win if Jeb Bush or Rubio is the opponent; he takes Florida as well as the other states of the Confederacy + KY and the Cowboy states except Colorado. The Middle West + PA become the deciding battleground. She needs a domestic platform appealing to those folks.
Remember we may need those 2 states to vote for her in 2016 to win if Jeb Bush or Rubio is the opponent; he takes Florida as well as the other states of the Confederacy + KY and the Cowboy states except Colorado. The Middle West + PA become the deciding battleground. She needs a domestic platform appealing to those folks.
6
"THE most famous woman on the planet has a confounding problem. She can’t figure out how to campaign as a woman."
Boring. Must we endure a year and a half of this pettiness?
Boring. Must we endure a year and a half of this pettiness?
46
How not pretty NY Times management has not noticed yet that Ms Dowd is the latest shill for Fox News attacking the Clintons.
26
If Maureen Dowd is a shill for Fox News, then Rush Limbaugh is the secret head of the DNC. Please...
Really? Fox News? I don't think they'd be calling the Republican candidates a bunch of misogynist contenders. Try again...
Puzzling to witness a person of Hillary's vintage and experiences still so seemingly driven by ego and ambition and I'm not sure if they're hers or Bill's--or both.
3
I don't care if a candidate is male, female, gay, bi, white black, Democrat or Repugnant; just please, Lord, give us the opportunity to vote for someone moral, intelligent, cares about the future we're leaving the grandkids, and who truly wants to serve We the People instead of an amoral corporate "personhood".
4
"Bitches get stuff done." Seriously, this is the New York Times, and it is a column on a major candidate for the Presidency and the only candidate who stands between this nation and a slew of crony capitalist ideological Republicans without a shred of good old honest pragmatism and not a shred of wisdom. Yet Dowd thinks to savage Clinton yet again?
To the Editor: Are you aware of the consistently vulgar treatment which one of your columnists is giving a major columnist? All the news that's fit to print? quite a bit also that's not fit to print when it comes to Hillary.
Whatever she is, she does not deserve this. Clearly, Maureen is doing everything she can possibly do to make HRC a non-viable candidate. One would think that she was a Bush or something, somebody who posed a threat to the country or something.
Please, she'll be a good president just like her husband was. Do I love her, No. Will she be a great president? No. Is she infinitely better and safer for the nation than the Rand Pauls, the Paul Ryans, the Cruzes, Bushes, etc.
With all the detritus running, Maureen thinks of panning Hillary Clinton?
As Joan Rivers would put it, "Please."
Yes, I realize you won't publish this defense of Hilary again. I protest!!!
To the Editor: Are you aware of the consistently vulgar treatment which one of your columnists is giving a major columnist? All the news that's fit to print? quite a bit also that's not fit to print when it comes to Hillary.
Whatever she is, she does not deserve this. Clearly, Maureen is doing everything she can possibly do to make HRC a non-viable candidate. One would think that she was a Bush or something, somebody who posed a threat to the country or something.
Please, she'll be a good president just like her husband was. Do I love her, No. Will she be a great president? No. Is she infinitely better and safer for the nation than the Rand Pauls, the Paul Ryans, the Cruzes, Bushes, etc.
With all the detritus running, Maureen thinks of panning Hillary Clinton?
As Joan Rivers would put it, "Please."
Yes, I realize you won't publish this defense of Hilary again. I protest!!!
29
Hillary Clinton is NOT a viable candidate! She is one of the "good ole boys" who demand power and control by dumbing down Americans. Is this the only person the Dems have to run? No Dem primary to give the people a choice? When did America become a monarchy or need 2.5 billion to run a campaign? Clinton or Bush, Clinton or Bush? Is the one with the most media support or the the most campaign money the automatic winner? Please the American people are finally catching on and know exactly what is happening. We are getting sick and tired of the 5th column media. So get over it when Ms Dowd or others write a column that doesn't drool over, prop up and kiss the feet of Hillary.
you need a refresher course ... Hillary and Bill are prime examples of Crony Capitalists. Believing otherwise is simply based on misinformation or a lack of knowledge.
Thanks to the star chamber investigations of Whitewater that I and the rest of country were put through for many years, I did take many courses on alleged crony capitalism about the Clintons. Like the rest of the country I concluded that it was all Republican propaganda. None of the investigations proved anything about crony capitalism. But they did prove that the Republican insurgency would stop at nothing to get the Clintons, except that it stopped short of conviction in the Senate when the Senate got the message from the American public that they were tired of the Clintons being pointlessness put through the gauntlet.
Time to fight back against Republicans trashing Democrats. You swift boat us, we'll swift boat you.
Time to fight back against Republicans trashing Democrats. You swift boat us, we'll swift boat you.
1
Hillary bragging about her granddaughter on FB and having a coffee talk with the ladies about bonding with babies is a heck of a lot better than the GOP hillbillies that are all about jailing women for miscarriages and criminalizing reproductive rights. It's a pleasant break from the Medea scenario they seem to have of women.
I think a grandmother might be what we need to deal with the vengeance crowd on the right. My Texas grandmother told people like that to Sit Down.
I think a grandmother might be what we need to deal with the vengeance crowd on the right. My Texas grandmother told people like that to Sit Down.
29
LOL .... how about one example of a GOPer who wants to jail women, as you described? Perhaps you're confusing ideology with simple hatred. The real war on women came from the Democrat Left.
1
So they don't like Hillary when she acts like a man, and they don't like Hillary when she acts like a woman. I think it's simpler than that....people just don't like Hillary.
7
Eight years of being told criticism of the president is racist. Getting ready for years of being told criticism of Hillary is sexist. Man oh man, do I miss Harry Truman.
4
I have seen her up close, in the White House. Trust me, you don't want to elect this woman.
6
Why would I trust you? Who are you?
One of those who jumped the fence?
1
Me too, Dave. I have a feeling that if some young crude congressman had yelled out "You lie" while Harry was speaking, Harry, with whatever strength he had, would have marched down the aisle and challenged the guy to a fist fight.
I remember when Dowd wrote snippy columns about Al Gore's plaid shirt. Something about Gore seemed to get under her skin. It seems that she reacts in a similar manner to Hillary Clinton. I am not blaming Bush's election on her, of course. I just hope she realizes that there is currently a huge difference between the Republican and Democratic parties. Do any of the Republican candidates even acknowledge the urgencies of climate change?
26
The truth is that the Earth and its atmosphere are constantly undergoing climate change of one kind or another; weird as it may appear, there happens to be many highly intelligent scientists who have analyzed the 'climate change facts' and determined that, in spite of Al Gore's silly "the debate is over" - it is not a scientifically proven fact that current climate change is due to mankind's abuse of the planet- as the Gorebots keep telling us.
Look behind the curtain of those who blame it all on mankind, and see the financial impetus driving their agenda.
Look behind the curtain of those who blame it all on mankind, and see the financial impetus driving their agenda.
Ms. Dowd:
You were doing so well, I thought you had permanently turned a corner in your last two columns. Alas, it was not to be so. Wharever your opinions you need to be a bit more adult about your snarky humor. And you may want to cut back a bit on the misogyny in your gratuitous treatment of Mr. Obama. People are starting to talk.
Why don't you try picking on Republicans for a while. There are enought to go around for everyone, surely one of them might provoke your fancy.
You were doing so well, I thought you had permanently turned a corner in your last two columns. Alas, it was not to be so. Wharever your opinions you need to be a bit more adult about your snarky humor. And you may want to cut back a bit on the misogyny in your gratuitous treatment of Mr. Obama. People are starting to talk.
Why don't you try picking on Republicans for a while. There are enought to go around for everyone, surely one of them might provoke your fancy.
29
Why is Hillary Clinton referred to as "Hillary", and Amy Poehler as "Amy" - when Mark Penn is "Penn" and Jeff Gerth is "Gerth"? What kind of double standard is this last-name-for-men, first-name-for-women policy? Could Ms. Dowd be complicit in the very sexism that Ms. Fey and Ms. Poehler decried, without even realizing it? That is the insidious thing about all prejudice - the perpetrator is often blithely unaware or in denial of his or her bias, and therefore unable or unwilling to change.
16
I am happy Mrs. Clinton is a new grandmother. Charlotte can be the focus of longer-term domestic policy, especially pre-school and elementary education policies. HRC will have at her command lots of data & experts to assist in defining, within reason, the conditions in this country for this century. She should use this to educate the American people on what is at stake in our future. Clearly, we are at a fork in the road and we need to take it.
We have serious challenges caused by global warming. It will be hell to try to shift the economy away from fossil fuels. She can do it, but she is going to have to be sensitive to the need for a safety net for the people who will be seeking a good life without a job in the fossil fuel related industries. If it were me I would go after the international community to create a super R&D program funded by an IMF formula to collect solar power in space and beam it to the Earth. She should also give thought to the next Interstate Highway System & our commuter systems. I suggest a 300 mph superconducting Maglev transport for trucks & passengers to reduce the cost of travel & goods delivered with no emissions. See www.magneticglide.com Even for Charlotte the probability of impaired brain & lung development is higher now because of tailpipe emissions in our heavily traveled metro corridors.
She will need to educate on common sense economics. We had a lot of people wrongly calling for austerity during the depths of the recession.
We have serious challenges caused by global warming. It will be hell to try to shift the economy away from fossil fuels. She can do it, but she is going to have to be sensitive to the need for a safety net for the people who will be seeking a good life without a job in the fossil fuel related industries. If it were me I would go after the international community to create a super R&D program funded by an IMF formula to collect solar power in space and beam it to the Earth. She should also give thought to the next Interstate Highway System & our commuter systems. I suggest a 300 mph superconducting Maglev transport for trucks & passengers to reduce the cost of travel & goods delivered with no emissions. See www.magneticglide.com Even for Charlotte the probability of impaired brain & lung development is higher now because of tailpipe emissions in our heavily traveled metro corridors.
She will need to educate on common sense economics. We had a lot of people wrongly calling for austerity during the depths of the recession.
13
You will never be happy with Ms. Clinton. Fortunately, Maureen, that is not her goal in life.
22
She and her handlers realize there's a messaging problem. How do they re-package her this time around to make her palatable to voters?
What has she ever accomplished besides build a resume and fat bank roll based on her husband's accomplishments?
That's the problem. There's no there there. There is nothing substantial beneath the ego, clawing ambition, repulsive sense of entitlement and utter lack of political talent.
There is no soul in this person. That's the real problem.
What has she ever accomplished besides build a resume and fat bank roll based on her husband's accomplishments?
That's the problem. There's no there there. There is nothing substantial beneath the ego, clawing ambition, repulsive sense of entitlement and utter lack of political talent.
There is no soul in this person. That's the real problem.
8
I really don't care about Hillary's soul; politically she is my best bet and I'll vote for her over any of the Republican wannabes.
1
The Liberals making the day-to-day decision for George Soros' wing of the Democrats are going down the same rabbit hole they ran down in the last two off-year elections - the times they lost the House and then the Senate.
Only the tenth of the country out on the Left fringe is consumed with Iraq and the Sandbox conflicts as a whole; the majority of Americans have moved past that era. Of course, those Americans didn't make pledges about Iraq like Mr. Obama did.
But if it is the only emotional spark that motivates your voters and allied political consultants in the old media, you have to run with it, and as we have all learned, the only thing making people line up for Democrats is negative emotion: namely, the worst in people - hate, class resentment, and fear.
As damaging as these emotions ar to the human heart, counting on them ro get Hillary's droids into the voting booth is really going to be a stretch - but then, stretching IS good exercise, isn't it?
Only the tenth of the country out on the Left fringe is consumed with Iraq and the Sandbox conflicts as a whole; the majority of Americans have moved past that era. Of course, those Americans didn't make pledges about Iraq like Mr. Obama did.
But if it is the only emotional spark that motivates your voters and allied political consultants in the old media, you have to run with it, and as we have all learned, the only thing making people line up for Democrats is negative emotion: namely, the worst in people - hate, class resentment, and fear.
As damaging as these emotions ar to the human heart, counting on them ro get Hillary's droids into the voting booth is really going to be a stretch - but then, stretching IS good exercise, isn't it?
2
Elizabeth Warren's populist fervor tells us who she is; while Hilary's gender still defines her.
5
I think that the response in the comments to Maureen's persistent attacks on Hillary, in which even those who do not support her strongly are already expressing a "Maureen fatigue", gives us a glimpse at the dynamic that may tremendously boost Hillary's chances to win the general election. The concerted and relentless attacks on her by Republican candidates, pundits or activists over the next 18 months will make her very sympathetic to many on the fence, but especially to women and many minority who may identify with the "cruelty" of the attacks...
10
Why is Hillary Clinton referred to as "Hillary", and Amy Poehler as "Amy" - when Mark Penn is "Penn" and Jeff Gerth is "Gerth"? What kind of double standard is this last-name-for-men, first-name-for-women policy? Could Ms. Dowd be complicit in the very sexism that Ms. Fey and Ms. Poehler decried, without even realizing it? That is the insidious thing about all prejudice - the perpetrator is often blithely unaware or in denial of his or her bias, and therefore unable or unwilling to change.
657
No clue as to who "Mark" and "Jeff" are. Nor "el jefe." Hillary, that's a different story. We know who she is. Got any other issues?
2
In fairness, there IS another Clinton.
2
Cause Hillary will always be Hillary unless when it was Billary
1
You tell them, Maureen! Hillary is a phony and she'll act however she needs, I order to get the power she craves. Martin O'Malley, Jim Webb, where are they?
5
For mature adults, the election is about parties and their policies, not personality analyses based on Saturday Night Live skits and Dowd obsessive hatred of the Clintons (and of course it was a twofer for her with the cheap shot description of Obama as our "feminized" president). Dowd seems capable only of dealing with the trivial and juvenile pursuit of personality and style and she virtually ignores the clown car of Republican aspirants to the presidency.
24
“Hillary saw the foolishness of acting like a masculine woman defending the Iraq invasion after she fell behind to a feminized man denouncing it.“
It’s refreshing to note that Ms. Dowd views The President the same way that so many of the rest of us do… that being that he is a feminized man.
No, it’s not his chicken legs. No, it’s not his lame pitches to home plate. And no, it’s not his limp wristed jogs down the steps of Air Force One.
It’s his repetitive teenage girl-like, “Please, what can I do to make you like me?” foreign policy debacles; the Eastern Europe missile shield concession; the pro-Palestinian pressure on Israel to return to the pre-1967 borders; the red line with Syria, followed by… nothing; the refusal to support the secular uprising in Iran in 2009; the leading from behind in Libya that fostered the deaths in Benghazi; the support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt; the deceitful release of the deserter Bergdahl… in exchange for five members of the Taliban terrorist dream team; the desperate quest for a self-serving deal with Iran; the normalization of relations with state sponsor of terrorism Cuba… and getting nothing in return…. etc.
It’s refreshing to note that Ms. Dowd views The President the same way that so many of the rest of us do… that being that he is a feminized man.
No, it’s not his chicken legs. No, it’s not his lame pitches to home plate. And no, it’s not his limp wristed jogs down the steps of Air Force One.
It’s his repetitive teenage girl-like, “Please, what can I do to make you like me?” foreign policy debacles; the Eastern Europe missile shield concession; the pro-Palestinian pressure on Israel to return to the pre-1967 borders; the red line with Syria, followed by… nothing; the refusal to support the secular uprising in Iran in 2009; the leading from behind in Libya that fostered the deaths in Benghazi; the support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt; the deceitful release of the deserter Bergdahl… in exchange for five members of the Taliban terrorist dream team; the desperate quest for a self-serving deal with Iran; the normalization of relations with state sponsor of terrorism Cuba… and getting nothing in return…. etc.
3
@Mike Moran
Speak it, brother! Speak it.
Excellent post.
Speak it, brother! Speak it.
Excellent post.
1
I have no idea of why Hilary is running, except to fulfill a prophecy.
1
The SNL bit is funny because, like all good humor there's a kernel of truth to it. Chipotle Hillary? She hasn't driven a car in 20 years. Doesn't have to. Still, another reason to say she can't relate to the public, despite her claim that she wants to be their champion.
I'd like to know why she running. Really. To be president, or the first woman president isn't enough for me.
What is the burning desire to change? What is the hoped for legacy after 4 or 8 years. What's wrong out there that she, as president, could change.
Excepting family and friends, how are you like me? Do you shop health insurance, or any insurance? Do you even know what you pay in property/school taxes? No way do you know or care what a gallon of gas costs, or how to pour one. Do you know us Hillary???
I'd like to know why she running. Really. To be president, or the first woman president isn't enough for me.
What is the burning desire to change? What is the hoped for legacy after 4 or 8 years. What's wrong out there that she, as president, could change.
Excepting family and friends, how are you like me? Do you shop health insurance, or any insurance? Do you even know what you pay in property/school taxes? No way do you know or care what a gallon of gas costs, or how to pour one. Do you know us Hillary???
108
@Carl in buff
She has her own e-mail server. That's just like and all of my friends. That's why I am attracted to her candidacy. She must be a real geek who can program in Java and Python, too. I think I may have seen her at MacExpo, but she was wearing sunglasses.
She has her own e-mail server. That's just like and all of my friends. That's why I am attracted to her candidacy. She must be a real geek who can program in Java and Python, too. I think I may have seen her at MacExpo, but she was wearing sunglasses.
1
Yes, make her make her answer your "trivial pursuit" questions. Make her mow the lawn, take the trash can to the curb. That's how a leader of the USA should spend the day... Like you. Go "pour" a gallon of gas, and try not to let so much escape next time.
3
Lol, most of us pump, don't "pour" a gallon of gas... and the price really does vary depending on where in the country you are at in proximity to the refineries, and also what grade you pump. (ie/ no ethanol for me, please)
Methinks you've revealed more about yourself, dear commenter, than the candidate in your psychoanalysis here...
Methinks you've revealed more about yourself, dear commenter, than the candidate in your psychoanalysis here...
1
Dear Ms Dowd,
Many commentators on here abhor your columns concerning Hillary Clinton's facade on the American electorate and masquerading as a champion of the little people. I for one am not fooled and please do continue to expose her very obvious relationship with Wall Street and foreign investors who continue to sell out the American people.
Best regards!
Many commentators on here abhor your columns concerning Hillary Clinton's facade on the American electorate and masquerading as a champion of the little people. I for one am not fooled and please do continue to expose her very obvious relationship with Wall Street and foreign investors who continue to sell out the American people.
Best regards!
The election next year will be another hold-your-nose moment, hopefully without hanging chads. I am staggered that we cannot produce better leadership options. While I have no great desire for Clinton 2.0, I have less for the lunatics on the other side and will keep my fingers crossed that she may work for the average (read low/middle income) person. Regarding image, here's a novel idea: how about just being herself and forget about the calculations and show boating. Leave that to the haters on the other side. And while we are on it, some policy and vision based on beliefs would be nice to know also.
5
I didn't think it was not verboten to use the word 'bitch' three times in one column.
As long as Hillary does not know who she really wants to be seen as, and as long as her email-server-gate issue is kept alive and burning by Gowdy, she will have a hard time connecting with voters. In Iowa, she said that hedge fund managers are not paying enough in taxes thanks to carried interest loophole, and already her son-in-law, who manages a hedge fund, is not going to vote for her.
She is seen more as a witch rather than as a B-itch. She cannot salvage her sagging fortunes by trying to behave like Tammy Wynette and bra-burning Gloria Steinem at once..
As long as Hillary does not know who she really wants to be seen as, and as long as her email-server-gate issue is kept alive and burning by Gowdy, she will have a hard time connecting with voters. In Iowa, she said that hedge fund managers are not paying enough in taxes thanks to carried interest loophole, and already her son-in-law, who manages a hedge fund, is not going to vote for her.
She is seen more as a witch rather than as a B-itch. She cannot salvage her sagging fortunes by trying to behave like Tammy Wynette and bra-burning Gloria Steinem at once..
You've got to like the candidate before you'll vote for the candidate. In some parts of the country, people love the "granny" Hillary. In some parts of the country, people love showing you just how strong their arm still is, feel that muscle, I could take you in an arm-wrestle. In some parts of the country, smack-smart-mouth wins the day, with too-clever-by-half retorts.
It's Hillary's to lose, and the Republicans are hungry.
Methinks the Democratic "machine/EOB/etc." isn't too hungry, and doesn't realize just how easily this election---and the FDR sort of country we almost still have---can be lost.
Don't get cocky. Convince people to vote for Hillary, it's not enough to think others will be motivated to vote against the Republican's nominee. We need LOTS of turnout, its the only way Democrats can win---& that ain't guaranteed!
It's Hillary's to lose, and the Republicans are hungry.
Methinks the Democratic "machine/EOB/etc." isn't too hungry, and doesn't realize just how easily this election---and the FDR sort of country we almost still have---can be lost.
Don't get cocky. Convince people to vote for Hillary, it's not enough to think others will be motivated to vote against the Republican's nominee. We need LOTS of turnout, its the only way Democrats can win---& that ain't guaranteed!
10
"Can we please talk about the issues?", someone wrote. Are you kidding? Getting Hillary to talk about any issue is like getting Obama to tell the truth!
4
What concerns me is how little we know about where Hillary Clinton stands on important issues. For example, where does she stand on Obamacare? Would she change it? How about the Keystone pipeline? What about oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean? Is she for that? What about gun control? What steps would she recommend there? Yet with all of this uncertainty she's ahead in poll numbers in the primary. This shows me that Democrats are in trouble. There is no sense of direction, no leadership. It's more about personality. Even her website is barren of policy. How can so many voters demand so little of their leading candidate?
8
@Tom
She will happy to tell you...after she polls each one of those items with a voting bloc that is currently flagging in her numbers. Be patient.
She will happy to tell you...after she polls each one of those items with a voting bloc that is currently flagging in her numbers. Be patient.
1
Ms. Dowd has not discovered that it is not permitted to criticize Hillary Clinton--with the exception of "She's not progressive enough."
The world situation, of which she was a shaper, is at the point of only slightly being able to be spun. Soon, it is going to be so bad that it will not any longer be able to be spun. At that point, image will be the least of her problems. And, the least of ours.
The world situation, of which she was a shaper, is at the point of only slightly being able to be spun. Soon, it is going to be so bad that it will not any longer be able to be spun. At that point, image will be the least of her problems. And, the least of ours.
3
Good gawd! Aren't you people at the NYT tired of Hillary? She is a relic.
5
Caricature?
1
The problem is not the gender. It is the person. A good candidate is a good candidate. A great leader is a great leader. Whether it be John Kennedy or Margaret Thatcher. Bill Clinton or Angela Merkel. It is insulting to tell women that it's time for a woman President, so Hillary must be voted for in a feminist cult block. We are not a monolithic Granny coalition.
6
Why does Mo, an amusingly articulate, well-read, well-educated, cunningly creative woman, boringly rely on lame SNL
takes to fuel the flamethrower with which she attempts to incinerate the Clintons and others?
takes to fuel the flamethrower with which she attempts to incinerate the Clintons and others?
12
More Democratic style over substance. She still looking for her style which tells me she just wants to be whatever it takes to win. This person has no real accomplishments just a bunch of stories based on lies.
5
Would you tell us please what the Republican "substance" is? From what we've seen thus far, and that covers several of the past election cycles, including the current one, the Republicans have neither.
I'm certain that she's got more substance, that will become evident as the campaign unfolds, than all of the Republican candidates combined have shown thus far. The problem with Republicans, Reagan included, is that all they have offered and continue to offer the public is style only.
I'm certain that she's got more substance, that will become evident as the campaign unfolds, than all of the Republican candidates combined have shown thus far. The problem with Republicans, Reagan included, is that all they have offered and continue to offer the public is style only.
No, no, you've confused the Republican warmongerings with the Democrats.
Or the NBC newsreporting team.
Or the NBC newsreporting team.
"When people feel uncertain, they’d rather have someone who’s strong and wrong than somebody who’s weak and right.”
This is perfect explanation for where we are right now as a nation; strong and wrong.
This is perfect explanation for where we are right now as a nation; strong and wrong.
2
Maureen, please …. give it up. Do you really believe you're being useful with the relentless Hillary-bashing? Yes, she's ambitious, but is it so very bad to change a tune when the times and the audience need a new one? In the interests of the middle class and the needy, who realistically offers the best chance? Is it Mike Huckabee? Rand Paul? Chris Christie? Scott Walker, Marco Rubio? Is it Jeb Bush, who hides his extreme conservatism beneath a cloak of well-bred grace? If you still have doubts, think about the next Supreme Court vacancy.
32
I don't think that Ms Dowd is capable of writing about American political figures without viewing through a lens of gender stereotype.
1
Whatever Hillary is or portrays herself to be will be attacked in any way possible, so it doesnt really matter what or who she is. We know that she will do more to resist the superrich than her opponent would do, and this is sufficient to make a decision for her.
218
"Resist the superrich?" What plant have you been living on. Secretary Clinton is one of the 1% of the 1% of the 1% herself. She and her husband have taken contributions from every wealthy oligarch they can lay their hands on as well as some of the most noxious gay-hating, women-hating regimes on earth so that the family "foundation" is bursting with billions.
Mrs. Clinton glides from one $250,000 speech to another in a fleet of armored SUVs with her feet only touching the ground when on a red carpet. Most of her speeches are given to audiences of corporate leaders of big banks and Wall Street firms, yes, Wall Street firms, all anxious to curry favor with the woman that they hope will be the next President of the United States. The other speeches are given at non-profit universities, which of course also have to cough up $250,000 and sign a contract that enumerates all of her perks, all from student funds no less.
So, either you are from Colorado and have been smelling that Rocky Mountain High or you're delusional if you think she isn't the biggest corporate shill that ever walked the face of the earth. The Clintons, all three of them, are about the Clintons, never more, never less, the are all about amassing power and money, pure naked ambition, devoid of even a nod towards the law or the most basic ethics. Vote for her if you will, but know in the end that her run is because she feels that somehow we "owe" her the Presidency.
Mrs. Clinton glides from one $250,000 speech to another in a fleet of armored SUVs with her feet only touching the ground when on a red carpet. Most of her speeches are given to audiences of corporate leaders of big banks and Wall Street firms, yes, Wall Street firms, all anxious to curry favor with the woman that they hope will be the next President of the United States. The other speeches are given at non-profit universities, which of course also have to cough up $250,000 and sign a contract that enumerates all of her perks, all from student funds no less.
So, either you are from Colorado and have been smelling that Rocky Mountain High or you're delusional if you think she isn't the biggest corporate shill that ever walked the face of the earth. The Clintons, all three of them, are about the Clintons, never more, never less, the are all about amassing power and money, pure naked ambition, devoid of even a nod towards the law or the most basic ethics. Vote for her if you will, but know in the end that her run is because she feels that somehow we "owe" her the Presidency.
Hardly! Hillary is 'loaned' private jets by and vacations in East Hampton in the homes of billionaire hedge fund owners.
We "know" that...? Hillary IS the "superrich." The superrich attract—and are attracted to—the superrich (and the ones financing her with their superdollars).
serenely checking her BlackBerry on a military plane...and deleting her email
7
We are looking at the possibility that Hillary will be given the nomination without a single debate. The implications of that 'non-event' are not good.
4
Quelle surprise. Dowd nailed it, for once. Great positioning advice for HRC. If she could only execute it; her entitled, overheated staff will almost certainly blow this opportunity.
1
I knew the Iraq invasion would lead to disaster. Ted Kennedy voted against it. When Hillary and Kerry voted for it, I knew it was for political purposes only.
4
Three simple prerequisites for a President:
1.) Is he/she genuine and honest? 2.) Is he/she capable of handling the challenges and responsibilities the office entails? 3.) Is he/she devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law?
Seeing that Hillary has proven herself to be a lying, dissembling, unaccountable elitist who thinks that the rules don't apply to her, and who's proven on numerous occasions that she's incapable of leading a troop of Brownies to the Ladies Room, I would say...no, she's neither worthy nor capable of holding the office.
1.) Is he/she genuine and honest? 2.) Is he/she capable of handling the challenges and responsibilities the office entails? 3.) Is he/she devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law?
Seeing that Hillary has proven herself to be a lying, dissembling, unaccountable elitist who thinks that the rules don't apply to her, and who's proven on numerous occasions that she's incapable of leading a troop of Brownies to the Ladies Room, I would say...no, she's neither worthy nor capable of holding the office.
12
m.white: and what choice do we have? That pathetic array of
Republican candidates are enough to frighten little children.
Think of the Supreme Court (which should be renamed the
Kangaroo court) and what that means - they've already done
enough damage to the country. And by the way, Maureen,
Obama wasn't weak when he ordered the "kill" on Osama -
that was a high risk move - strong, not weak. stop the mis-
characterization please!
Republican candidates are enough to frighten little children.
Think of the Supreme Court (which should be renamed the
Kangaroo court) and what that means - they've already done
enough damage to the country. And by the way, Maureen,
Obama wasn't weak when he ordered the "kill" on Osama -
that was a high risk move - strong, not weak. stop the mis-
characterization please!
Really now. How pathetic that she needs all this advice about her image and how she should campaign. Masculine or Feminine? Tough guy or sweet granny? Does it occur that a President of the United States needs to be an authentic person comfortable within their own skin? Male or female, know thyself. Perhaps Hillary really doesn't know who she is---ala Al Gore? Or, more likely, she and her acolytes are terrified that we will discover the real Hillary--full of pettiness, tirades and hurled White House china. Heck, she hides everything else, including e-mails she would never want anyone to see. My sense is her core is only one of personal ambition and a love for the perks of office. Let the outing begin!
6
Dubya was probably an authentic person comfortable within his own skin (perhaps except when he realized he was in over his head).
The president needs to be competent. Neuroses are bad because they sometimes interfere with competence.
The president needs to be competent. Neuroses are bad because they sometimes interfere with competence.
1
@Alan
We know who Al Gore is now. A whiner (see the Tony Robbins youtube tape...a colossal embarassment and very revealing comment that even Robbins could hardly believe), a divorcee, and a money-grubbing private equity partner who sold a television network to al Jazeera.
We know who Al Gore is now. A whiner (see the Tony Robbins youtube tape...a colossal embarassment and very revealing comment that even Robbins could hardly believe), a divorcee, and a money-grubbing private equity partner who sold a television network to al Jazeera.
1
Bush I, Reagan, McCain, and Romney were all grandfathers when the ran or were elected to the Presidency. It is insulting to women that Ms. Dowd thinks that trotting out the "granny" label for Hillary is amusing.
18
@nana
We laugh when it's laughable. She is manipulating aspects of being a Grandma, and that is the point. And by doing so, she is trying to manipulate you.
Reagan was genuinely amused with his age and made jokes about it. Just because you don't agree with the positions these men took does not mean that changing the gender changes everything. Some day, a woman like you should write in why women need to follow tight little scripts supporting a fixed slate of talking points. I would find that interesting.
We laugh when it's laughable. She is manipulating aspects of being a Grandma, and that is the point. And by doing so, she is trying to manipulate you.
Reagan was genuinely amused with his age and made jokes about it. Just because you don't agree with the positions these men took does not mean that changing the gender changes everything. Some day, a woman like you should write in why women need to follow tight little scripts supporting a fixed slate of talking points. I would find that interesting.
1
Modern elections are almost always about voting for the less evil...Now take your pick.
2
There was a time, boys and girls, when lots of Americans thought women were too weak and emotional to be President. We can thank Hillary Clinton, in large part, for the fact that this is no longer an issue. She has handled years of professional pressure with steely resolve; and she takes enough personal abuse on a daily basis to make a Marine cry.
In fact, Hillary has been the lightning rod for every kind of sexist tripe America likes to hang on a woman. She should have dumped Bill for cheating, she shouldn't have defended him against the bimbos, she's too fat, she's too wrinkly, she dresses too dowdy, we don't like her hair, she's too cold, she's selfish and conceited, she doesn't smile enough.
Here's a novel idea. Why don't we just expect the same things we ask of a man? Is she intelligent, competent, ethical, hard-working, wise, and committed to America?
In fact, Hillary has been the lightning rod for every kind of sexist tripe America likes to hang on a woman. She should have dumped Bill for cheating, she shouldn't have defended him against the bimbos, she's too fat, she's too wrinkly, she dresses too dowdy, we don't like her hair, she's too cold, she's selfish and conceited, she doesn't smile enough.
Here's a novel idea. Why don't we just expect the same things we ask of a man? Is she intelligent, competent, ethical, hard-working, wise, and committed to America?
29
@Madeline
Ethical? No. Proven.
Wise? No. A wise person does not build their platform using polling data.
Intelligent? Yes.
Competent? Unclear, based on Point One.
Hard-working? Ummm. Yes, in the pursuit of personal ambition. Not sure that is the right prerequisite.
Committed to America? Hard to say.
Not my candidate. Maybe yours.
Ethical? No. Proven.
Wise? No. A wise person does not build their platform using polling data.
Intelligent? Yes.
Competent? Unclear, based on Point One.
Hard-working? Ummm. Yes, in the pursuit of personal ambition. Not sure that is the right prerequisite.
Committed to America? Hard to say.
Not my candidate. Maybe yours.
1
When I was a teenager I worked on weekends as a caddie at an exclusive golf course with wealthy members. They were mostly Republicans of the old school, George and Barbara Bush Republicans.
I dreaded working on Tuesdays or Sunday afternoons when the club 'allowed' women to play. I thought the women were such bad players, it was boring to work for them, they didnt tip well. And I also thought, even at the age of 14 or so, that these women were so uptight, living such empty lives, so isolated and tedious.
I have heard that Hillary Clinton grew up in this milieu, with Republican parents of the 50s and 60s. Gawd, it's a dead world they inhabited.
And now the product of that world, Hillary, wants to impose herself as President.
Has anyone asked her why?
I dreaded working on Tuesdays or Sunday afternoons when the club 'allowed' women to play. I thought the women were such bad players, it was boring to work for them, they didnt tip well. And I also thought, even at the age of 14 or so, that these women were so uptight, living such empty lives, so isolated and tedious.
I have heard that Hillary Clinton grew up in this milieu, with Republican parents of the 50s and 60s. Gawd, it's a dead world they inhabited.
And now the product of that world, Hillary, wants to impose herself as President.
Has anyone asked her why?
2
The most accurate answer to your "why" is that it is time for a female to lead our country. Men have proven to be adept at many things, such as wars, but have never cared all that much about half of the population - women.
The cultural relevance of SNL is largely a zeitgeist of a grandmother's generation. Just saying...
2
It looks as though I'll be skipping at least one column of the Times' Sunday edition's op-ed section until at least November 2016... since it will, inevitably, be yet another wa-wa-wa about Hillary from Ms. Dowd.
I get it; she doesn't like Hillary. I don't have to read it week after week after week, though.
I get it; she doesn't like Hillary. I don't have to read it week after week after week, though.
44
RoughAcres
There are times when this reader has bypassed Ms. Dowd's column, and yet I remain somewhat perplexed at her tone that appears altered in the last few years. When one is more curious as to the author of such essays than the subject matter, it becomes singular to this person.
While Ms. Dowd emphasizes that Mrs. Clinton 'can't figure out how to campaign as a woman', Ms. Dowd does not appear to be supporting anyone, regardless of their gender, for the coming presidential elections.
A reporter who has established a large readership over two decades might give us a view as to who she believes might be a qualified candidate to vote for, and expose her reasons for her choice.
America is in a state of moral conflict and divided in this contemporary time, and although I find this snide tone of Ms. Dowd increasingly hard to digest, she is a journalist to be reckoned with, a favorite of a late friend, and I can afford to wait at this stage to see what Ms. Dowd may have to relay to the readers in a more open and positive way.
In the meantime, this voter is about to take up the banner for Mrs. Clinton who is showing tremendous courage and strength in the midst of a tank of political sharks.
There are times when this reader has bypassed Ms. Dowd's column, and yet I remain somewhat perplexed at her tone that appears altered in the last few years. When one is more curious as to the author of such essays than the subject matter, it becomes singular to this person.
While Ms. Dowd emphasizes that Mrs. Clinton 'can't figure out how to campaign as a woman', Ms. Dowd does not appear to be supporting anyone, regardless of their gender, for the coming presidential elections.
A reporter who has established a large readership over two decades might give us a view as to who she believes might be a qualified candidate to vote for, and expose her reasons for her choice.
America is in a state of moral conflict and divided in this contemporary time, and although I find this snide tone of Ms. Dowd increasingly hard to digest, she is a journalist to be reckoned with, a favorite of a late friend, and I can afford to wait at this stage to see what Ms. Dowd may have to relay to the readers in a more open and positive way.
In the meantime, this voter is about to take up the banner for Mrs. Clinton who is showing tremendous courage and strength in the midst of a tank of political sharks.
@Rough Acres
Another open-minded "liberal" and wise NYTimes reader has spoken.
You sound as close-minded as your supposed enemies.
I was right about you all along.
Another open-minded "liberal" and wise NYTimes reader has spoken.
You sound as close-minded as your supposed enemies.
I was right about you all along.
1
It doesn't matter how she campaigns. She will still get the drooling non-stop fawning by the major media outlets like the Times and all the TV networks except FOX.
Now that they have gotten over their religious devotion to The One somewhat, they will want to make it up to Hillary.
Now that they have gotten over their religious devotion to The One somewhat, they will want to make it up to Hillary.
2
Can you even fathom the possibility of life without the stupid religion that pervades the Republican Party?
3
Does this column really sound like drooling, non-stop fawning to you? Did you even read it?
And, again, "The One" is a construct made up by the right-wing to try to fool people into thinking that it's what the left thinks about Obama. It isn't. Yes, we're glad to have a competent, intelligent, thoughtful, effective and trustworthy president but "The One" is just nonsense.
And, again, "The One" is a construct made up by the right-wing to try to fool people into thinking that it's what the left thinks about Obama. It isn't. Yes, we're glad to have a competent, intelligent, thoughtful, effective and trustworthy president but "The One" is just nonsense.
2
wahoo1003
You are entitled to your opinion, but let us have a rest from bringing Religion into Politics. As a famous American orator once wrote 'What does God have to do with this'.
Mr. Obama is the finest President this American has yet to see, and he is extraordinary to my mind. In the meantime, nobody wishes to drool, fawn or grovel over their next choice for the leadership. FOX has its role to play in reaching out to a large audience of viewers, and whether we wish to watch some of the drivel and tripe it dishes out, this is none of my business, but a question of taste.
You are entitled to your opinion, but let us have a rest from bringing Religion into Politics. As a famous American orator once wrote 'What does God have to do with this'.
Mr. Obama is the finest President this American has yet to see, and he is extraordinary to my mind. In the meantime, nobody wishes to drool, fawn or grovel over their next choice for the leadership. FOX has its role to play in reaching out to a large audience of viewers, and whether we wish to watch some of the drivel and tripe it dishes out, this is none of my business, but a question of taste.
1
"Consciously tamping down the humor and warmth"
You mean the way one tamps down humor and warmth at a Siberian funeral?
You mean the way one tamps down humor and warmth at a Siberian funeral?
2
Weakness invites challenge.
1
Can You Believe how misogynist that Carly Fiorina has been?
8
Does pointing out blatant hypocrisy in a woman make one a misogynist? I can see why you hope to set such rules, such that you can try and mask these major flaws in your failed candidate.
It's very early in the campaign. Everything is evolving. Hilary is testing the waters. She's better than anything the Repugs can field. Rather than chide her at every turn, use your expertise to help her win this one. Otherwise, we truly lose America as a democracy. With HC, with all her real & perceived baggage, we at least have a chance to save it.
11
Ms. Dowd: The sensory overload is suffocating. We have all seen the runs in her hose, the holes in her socks. They are unbecoming. We get it that you can't stand her. Try imagining a President Walker, or Cruz, or Paul, or Perry, or Christie, or Jindal, or Huckabee or Bush, or...well, the 1,500 character limit would use up all the 19 Teapublicans on the Clown Car who are in New Hampshire this weekend. How about writing one column about esch of these impostors before the Iowa caucuses? There's plenty of time. And Hillary's not going anywhere.
68
Honestly, I cannot read another Dowd column against Hillary Clinton. Media Matters
an organization who keeps track of such things in a non partisan way reports that over 70% of Dowd's columns in the last 20 years have had negative statements about Hillary. In other words, I am paying for a subscription, which pays Ms Dowd's salary to carry out a personal vendetta against Hillary Clinton...as if nothing else has risen to the level of her poison pen in the last 20 years. This is great news for Ms. Dowd who has gotten paid for writing the same column for 20 years but not for the rest of us who expect more from the so called "liberal' on the op ed pages.
an organization who keeps track of such things in a non partisan way reports that over 70% of Dowd's columns in the last 20 years have had negative statements about Hillary. In other words, I am paying for a subscription, which pays Ms Dowd's salary to carry out a personal vendetta against Hillary Clinton...as if nothing else has risen to the level of her poison pen in the last 20 years. This is great news for Ms. Dowd who has gotten paid for writing the same column for 20 years but not for the rest of us who expect more from the so called "liberal' on the op ed pages.
104
Hear-hear! You must change your opinions immediately, Ms, Dowd, or suffer the consequences.
Hi, yes, I agree, but let's not forget the weeks of over the top fumbles after she ate weed!! The entertainment value never ended.
Ms. Clinton has accomplished amazing things and is light years more qualified than the GOP slate. And I say that even though I was sick at heart that she voted for the Iraq war.
33
Care to name some accomplishments? I keep hearing how accomplished she is, but outside of holding an office nobody has been able to list anything specific. Being First Lady isn't an accomplishment. Being a Senator isn't an accomplishment. Being Secretary of State is not an accomplishment. What you do while in those positions are accomplishments and thus far I haven't seen anything all too impressive. In fact, Hillary Clinton's only true accomplishment appears to be her success at continuing up the political ladder in spite of any real successes in the positions she has held.
"Accomplishes amazing things"? Like what? Dodging bullets in her helicopter? Putin ramming her "reset button" where the sun doesn't shine. Proving her "women's rights" stand by paying her female staffers less than the men? Maybe it was the most disingenuous, fake, ridiculous campaign roll out in the history of Presidential politics. This women is a clown!
1
@Ann
Please be specific in your appraisal of the "light years more qualified" comment.
Many of us don't see, and you are so confident.
Please be specific in your appraisal of the "light years more qualified" comment.
Many of us don't see, and you are so confident.
2
This column seems like it's going backward, These columns about Hillary seem more and more like the same-old, same-old rehash.
Maybe an actual analysis of her actual policies would give you some fresh material, Maureen?
Maybe an actual analysis of her actual policies would give you some fresh material, Maureen?
65
Good luck with that request.
1
>>Hillary saw the foolishness of acting like a masculine woman defending the Iraq invasion after she fell behind to a feminized man denouncing it. >>
Just because you needed to complete the metaphor reversal doesn't make it right. You just opted for clever over correct.
Just because you needed to complete the metaphor reversal doesn't make it right. You just opted for clever over correct.
11
Young male Latino versus old white person who is a woman with a lot of baggage. How is that going to play out in the swing states? Hmm. You Democrats better hope she has a challenger no matter who it is in the primaries.
3
I beg your pardon, Sailordude. This is the type of dumping that will lose you "guys" the 2016 election. I will lift a toast to your defeat.
One gets the idea from all this analysis that Hillary isn’t sufficiently confident in who she really is to present that face to the electorate and let the chips fall where they will: she’s described as constantly agonizing over what she’s not, and seeking to project personas that better represent what she, or her advisors, believe the people want in her. It’s all a colossal waste of time, because what she can be said to be without the slightest doubt is a pretty bad actress. If the persona is phony, the people will recognize the phoniness and react badly to it.
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton doesn’t actually have anything to apologize for in terms of who she really is. She’s the most accomplished woman of her generation, anywhere in the world; and would be among the top contenders for most accomplished of all time. As an American woman, the only ones I can think of offhand in her class are Eleanor Roosevelt, and possibly Susan B. Anthony. That’s a pretty impressive 67 years of life.
She should be herself, she should get working on a platform that truly represents what she would try to implement as president and not what she thinks Americans will tolerate in a candidate – leaders don’t do that, they have sufficient faith in their ability to gather the people around them that they don’t have to. She should take Tina Fey’s words to heart: she’ll entrench a respect for her even among her adversaries.
The Jebster hopefully will do the same. Let the chips fall where they will.
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton doesn’t actually have anything to apologize for in terms of who she really is. She’s the most accomplished woman of her generation, anywhere in the world; and would be among the top contenders for most accomplished of all time. As an American woman, the only ones I can think of offhand in her class are Eleanor Roosevelt, and possibly Susan B. Anthony. That’s a pretty impressive 67 years of life.
She should be herself, she should get working on a platform that truly represents what she would try to implement as president and not what she thinks Americans will tolerate in a candidate – leaders don’t do that, they have sufficient faith in their ability to gather the people around them that they don’t have to. She should take Tina Fey’s words to heart: she’ll entrench a respect for her even among her adversaries.
The Jebster hopefully will do the same. Let the chips fall where they will.
19
I keep hearing this argument over and over. Hillary Clinton is the most accomplished ____, the most successful _____. Can anyone name specifics here other than simple platitudes? You never hear someone saying what she accomplished or what she was successful at other than simply holding a position. She's an incredibly successful and accomplished politician. First Lady. Check. Senator. Check. Secretary of State. Check. But in those capacities what did she actually do that was noteworthy and positive? Can someone name something? I can provide a list of failed accomplishments. Her time as First Lady was wrought with unsuccessful campaigns while she maneuvered scandal after scandal. As Senator anything noteworthy other than her vehement jingoism towards war with Iraq? And as Secretary of State she pushed a reset button with Russia that has escalated to near Cold War tensions, the death of an American ambassador and weaker relations with some of our most steadfast allies.
And on the eve of her "comeback" more and more missteps and potential scandals of her own making.
Where are the accomplishments? Where are the successes?
And on the eve of her "comeback" more and more missteps and potential scandals of her own making.
Where are the accomplishments? Where are the successes?
Richard, you're giving a an awful lot credit by calling this column "analysis." It's the same piece that Ms Dowd writes every week.
3
Hillary, like Zsa Zsa Gabor in a different era, certainly is one of the most famous women of her generation. But "most accomplished?" Thousands if not millions of women of Hillary's generation have accomplished far more than she has. Her notoriety is entirely the result of tribute being paid to her husband. She's more like a well-married noblewoman than a hard-working, risk-taking leader.
Oh look, Maureen got "misogynist" in there with regards to republicans! And just in the nic of time as her upper west side devotees were about to head fling their overflowing salvia after five paragraphs of Hillary is such a bore analysis. Can always count on calling republicans names to soothe that last liberal nerve. A dependable out pitch for Dowd.
3
Good piece, until the last paragraph. What Americans should hope for is a not some discovery of yet another phony image to enable Clinton to seize power, but a continuation of the monumental rejection of Democrat candidates across the board, as we have seen the past two cycles, but this time including the one at the top of the ticket.
5
Because you like endless war, a bankrupt economy and antiquated social policies?
re: "Trying to project swagger, she followed her husband’s advice and voted to authorize the Iraq war without bothering to read the unpersuasive National Intelligence Estimate "
Unfortunately, I do n ot subscribe to lexis nexis...and google and yahoo searches tend to be unproductive [cant figure out why..wink wink..]...but as someone with friends in Iraq and Kuwait I was a VORACIOUS reader on the subject of Iraq/Kuwait.
it my very distinct recollection that ms Clinton CREDITED a number of former Clinton cabinet members, security/intel staff et al with BRIEFING HER....THOROUGHLY...about the risk saddam posed...and his flouting unsc resolutions [oh...were talking about Iraq here...NOT iran...].
as an aside....the Joint Resolution authorizing the use of force to ENFORCE UNSC RESOLUTIONS [hint--in 1992 we signed a truce; violation of that truce could lead to a renewal of military action] dealt mainly with wmd PROGRAMS...not "stockpiles" [which were almost always referred to in the PAST TENSE in the JR].
so...did saddam have "programs"? the readership is quite capable of reading the kay and duelfer reports...if they are interested; a few months back this newspaper ran articles about chemical munitions being found in Iraq...a sufficient number that some could call them a "stockpile".
many folks dismissed these wmd as irrelevant because they were pre-Iraq war. well....exactly WHAT wmds do you think were addressed by unsc resolutions passed in ....1992?
Unfortunately, I do n ot subscribe to lexis nexis...and google and yahoo searches tend to be unproductive [cant figure out why..wink wink..]...but as someone with friends in Iraq and Kuwait I was a VORACIOUS reader on the subject of Iraq/Kuwait.
it my very distinct recollection that ms Clinton CREDITED a number of former Clinton cabinet members, security/intel staff et al with BRIEFING HER....THOROUGHLY...about the risk saddam posed...and his flouting unsc resolutions [oh...were talking about Iraq here...NOT iran...].
as an aside....the Joint Resolution authorizing the use of force to ENFORCE UNSC RESOLUTIONS [hint--in 1992 we signed a truce; violation of that truce could lead to a renewal of military action] dealt mainly with wmd PROGRAMS...not "stockpiles" [which were almost always referred to in the PAST TENSE in the JR].
so...did saddam have "programs"? the readership is quite capable of reading the kay and duelfer reports...if they are interested; a few months back this newspaper ran articles about chemical munitions being found in Iraq...a sufficient number that some could call them a "stockpile".
many folks dismissed these wmd as irrelevant because they were pre-Iraq war. well....exactly WHAT wmds do you think were addressed by unsc resolutions passed in ....1992?
4
Steve,
What the Dickens, while it is impossible to leave Iraq on the side where it comes to voting for the next President, the majority of professional staff at an international children's community in New York were hired by a now retired elderly Iraqi friend.
While we voted together with enthusiasm for President Obama and would do this again with a lift in our spirit, a combative aggressive woman who has courageously brought her family to safety here over the decades, she is not sure about Mrs. Clinton. She was given credit the other day by a former colleague for having banished some unfortunate powerful persons in our humanitarian rank, but mention to her the name 'Bush' and the shouting begins.
What the Dickens, while it is impossible to leave Iraq on the side where it comes to voting for the next President, the majority of professional staff at an international children's community in New York were hired by a now retired elderly Iraqi friend.
While we voted together with enthusiasm for President Obama and would do this again with a lift in our spirit, a combative aggressive woman who has courageously brought her family to safety here over the decades, she is not sure about Mrs. Clinton. She was given credit the other day by a former colleague for having banished some unfortunate powerful persons in our humanitarian rank, but mention to her the name 'Bush' and the shouting begins.
What's wrong with Hillary just being herself? Why make things harder? And worse yet, being something she's not, when she's clearly uncomfortable, makes her look unnatural and phony.
5
if she was herself she would never get elected......if she even knows who Hillary...that is why she cannot be herself....da
The focus should be on policy, not personality or male/female aspects. Ms, Dowd should be posing the following questions:
1) On the ACA: Ms. Clinton, you're a lawyer. You voted for legislation that promised "If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your plan, you can keep your plan." It would be professional malpractice if you misled a client in this manner. Why did you vote for the ACA, given its major flaws? Why did you remain silent when the President (another lawyer) misled the public on this aspect?
2) Following the Benghazi attack, you claimed that it was due to an obscure film that was a satire, not a whole lot different from a Saturday Night Live skit. Quite apart from the broader issue of whether satire should ever, ever be a basis for justifying the murder of anyone (let alone an ambassador), what do you say about the fact that this was, in fact, not true? Why did you remain silent while that Susan Rice was promoting this incorrect story-line?
3) During your term as Secretary of State, the supposed re-set with Russia was a failure. The relationships with America's allies deteriorated. What specific accomplishment - an actual improvement, with an actual country (hopefully, an important country) - can you describe?
4) Presumably, the NSA has copies of all of your emails on its servers. Why don't you give the NSA permission to release to the Congressional Committee investigating Benghazi copies of all of your emails?
1) On the ACA: Ms. Clinton, you're a lawyer. You voted for legislation that promised "If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your plan, you can keep your plan." It would be professional malpractice if you misled a client in this manner. Why did you vote for the ACA, given its major flaws? Why did you remain silent when the President (another lawyer) misled the public on this aspect?
2) Following the Benghazi attack, you claimed that it was due to an obscure film that was a satire, not a whole lot different from a Saturday Night Live skit. Quite apart from the broader issue of whether satire should ever, ever be a basis for justifying the murder of anyone (let alone an ambassador), what do you say about the fact that this was, in fact, not true? Why did you remain silent while that Susan Rice was promoting this incorrect story-line?
3) During your term as Secretary of State, the supposed re-set with Russia was a failure. The relationships with America's allies deteriorated. What specific accomplishment - an actual improvement, with an actual country (hopefully, an important country) - can you describe?
4) Presumably, the NSA has copies of all of your emails on its servers. Why don't you give the NSA permission to release to the Congressional Committee investigating Benghazi copies of all of your emails?
7
I doubt that Dowd is going to read your post, Alex, any more than Clinton is. It would be interesting, though, to see what kind of job you would do in this mad and complex world were you in Clinton's place. It's clear you imagine yourself as capable of avoiding any problems and solving the whole darn mess.
Wonder is she's had to duck her head and run from sniper fire on the way to the van yet!
3
Wonder if anyone will bring up Jeb Bushs' signature on the PNAC Mission Statement? The blueprint for the Iraq War. Jebbie was a neocon long before being a neocon was cool. Money, you know.
3
Having to reinvent herself constantly is its own damnation.
8
Maureen, is there northing in your snarky playbook other than Hillary?
Really, your analysis of Hillary is 4 yawns. Nothing new here.
Really, your analysis of Hillary is 4 yawns. Nothing new here.
30
That is when she's not bashing Obama.
3
"femininity, vulnerability and heart" - She possesses none of these.
That is why Kate's caricature is so amusing.
That is why Kate's caricature is so amusing.
3
The country hasn’t been this politically divided since 1860 and the 2016 election will reflect this division. I don't think the 2016 presidential election is going to be about character or personalities and it won’t make much difference who the Republicans or Democrats nominate, the vote distribution will be the same.
Hilary will win it, but like Obama, she will have a Republican House, whose make up was determined by 2011 gerrymandering. We're in for at least another four years of obstruction and gridlock.
Hilary will win it, but like Obama, she will have a Republican House, whose make up was determined by 2011 gerrymandering. We're in for at least another four years of obstruction and gridlock.
4
Michigander
Fortunately this American is not always right but feeling very uneasy about these coming presidential elections. We will be fortunate if it only takes four years to bring this Nation together again as a united country, and I hope it is not a war that is going to revive patriotism.
We tend to look at our presidential nominees as one political figure, and forget to look at the people who are working and supporting them as a team and entity. Mrs. Clinton, a person of merit in her own right, is surrounded by some good men and women, and this in itself is enough to tender my vote to her rather than throw it into a crowd of dubious and inexperienced politicians who wish to be our next representative.
Fortunately this American is not always right but feeling very uneasy about these coming presidential elections. We will be fortunate if it only takes four years to bring this Nation together again as a united country, and I hope it is not a war that is going to revive patriotism.
We tend to look at our presidential nominees as one political figure, and forget to look at the people who are working and supporting them as a team and entity. Mrs. Clinton, a person of merit in her own right, is surrounded by some good men and women, and this in itself is enough to tender my vote to her rather than throw it into a crowd of dubious and inexperienced politicians who wish to be our next representative.
here's an idea - let's put substance over style. i don't care if she's macho, grandma, or anything else, as long as she's not one of the republicans who have come forward so far. it used to be fun to bash hillary, but i'm tired of it, and can't afford it this time around. democrats need to do a cost benefit analysis and pull the lever for hillary. dowd needs to get a new hobby.
26
Don't mistake bashing with the truth about Hillary....if saying the truth about her is bashing ...I am sorry but that is life....
Gosh Maureen! You are actually displaying your warmth towards Hillary. It's very true, being a woman it is extremely hard to maintain the testosterone/estrogen balance. It is always damned if you do, damned if you don't. Men don't have to make such choices like the color of the pant-suit or the hair. You know, Hillary should take you, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler into her inner circle of advisers. That way, she can be the soft-hearted, smiley granny while being superman taking on the world. She could be the down-to-earth woman who drives around in a Scooby but mess with her and the guns will come out clicking like the Cowboys in the westerns. But I think the Chipotle Lunch has gone on for too long..Time to put the plastic plates and plastic into the garbage - I'm sorry, I meant the recycling bin.
2
Ms. Dowd's two back to back mean spirited column on Hillary Cinton is two too many for Times unless their quality has gone down. This one has no substance nothing positive and Dowd has again gone decades back when the future is at stake.
I say get over it Dowd the country is ready for Granny Madame Hill tough to tackle the Republinan wannabe Presidential candidates and NRA.
I say get over it Dowd the country is ready for Granny Madame Hill tough to tackle the Republinan wannabe Presidential candidates and NRA.
24
Maybe if she'd actually accomplished more good things on her own, and carried out some actual good policy, she'd have to pretend less. I'm just not getting where her accomplishments lie.
The media and, of course, readers of the NYT have been taught to hate women on the right, like Sarah Palin and Margaret Thatcher. I get it. But did those women have husbands who got there first?
The media and, of course, readers of the NYT have been taught to hate women on the right, like Sarah Palin and Margaret Thatcher. I get it. But did those women have husbands who got there first?
96
Libby Dole?
Most republican women ride their husbands (and their husbands' fathers/family money)
The Bush boys rode daddy, (and babs, presumably). Do you think they got there by themselves based on merits?
He didn't build that ball team. His experiences in business could not prevent Iraq's crumbling after our weapons destabilized the region?
The answer? Pump more guns and weapons in...
That's all the Bush boys brought to the table, but shhhh. Free Pass. They're boys! Sure do know who they are... Boys! Safe to elect em, MoJoe says. Reminds her of her brothers.
Bruni == he's got a legitimate ick=squick reason for voting against the girls and pulling hard for Mario.
Most republican women ride their husbands (and their husbands' fathers/family money)
The Bush boys rode daddy, (and babs, presumably). Do you think they got there by themselves based on merits?
He didn't build that ball team. His experiences in business could not prevent Iraq's crumbling after our weapons destabilized the region?
The answer? Pump more guns and weapons in...
That's all the Bush boys brought to the table, but shhhh. Free Pass. They're boys! Sure do know who they are... Boys! Safe to elect em, MoJoe says. Reminds her of her brothers.
Bruni == he's got a legitimate ick=squick reason for voting against the girls and pulling hard for Mario.
1
Well, you're hardly alone in being unable to identify any significant accomplishments in Hillary's multi-decade public career.
The absence of any substantive accomplishments is hardly disqualifying for a libbie candidate, though. Liberals elected Obama, utterly devoid of a single substantive accomplishment, and demonstrably the least-prepared presidential candidate in a century or so, because of his pigment.
As that wild-eyed right wing madman, Bill Clinton, said of Obama in 2008: "Five years ago, this guy would have been bringing us coffee." Slick Willie occasionally tells the truth, despite being an utterly reprehensible human being.
Thus, despite Hillary be utterly unqualified, and devoid of accomplishment, libbies will flock to her campaign, voting for gender, just as they voted for Obama's pigment.
Beats thinking, if one is a libbie.
The absence of any substantive accomplishments is hardly disqualifying for a libbie candidate, though. Liberals elected Obama, utterly devoid of a single substantive accomplishment, and demonstrably the least-prepared presidential candidate in a century or so, because of his pigment.
As that wild-eyed right wing madman, Bill Clinton, said of Obama in 2008: "Five years ago, this guy would have been bringing us coffee." Slick Willie occasionally tells the truth, despite being an utterly reprehensible human being.
Thus, despite Hillary be utterly unqualified, and devoid of accomplishment, libbies will flock to her campaign, voting for gender, just as they voted for Obama's pigment.
Beats thinking, if one is a libbie.
Are you really comparing Palin to Thatcher? Oy.
2
The last person Mrs. Clinton needs campaign advice from is her bete-noir, Maureen Dowd. And whatever vehicle this former Secretary of State and N.Y. Senator chooses to ride in, it will be classier than the clown car containing the current batch of GOP presidential wannabes.
20
this former Secretary of State and N.Y. Senator
---------
No matter how many jobs or roles Hillary Clinton plays, she will always at heart be a girl.
That's what the women columnists here at the Times want you to never ever forget. No matter how far you rise girls, no matter what you earn or accomplish, you're still just a girl to the BigBoys in power who hold all the cards and the money allegedly necessary to accomplish true change...*
Never ever forget!
*Tell that To Jesus Christ, btw.
Remember Him?
---------
No matter how many jobs or roles Hillary Clinton plays, she will always at heart be a girl.
That's what the women columnists here at the Times want you to never ever forget. No matter how far you rise girls, no matter what you earn or accomplish, you're still just a girl to the BigBoys in power who hold all the cards and the money allegedly necessary to accomplish true change...*
Never ever forget!
*Tell that To Jesus Christ, btw.
Remember Him?
Jeb Bush
Scott Walker
Rand Paul
Ted Cruz
Chris Christie
Ben Carson
Mike Huckabee
Rick Santorum
Ms. Dowd, there are plenty are legitimate Republican psychopaths to psychoanalyze.
Don't waste all of your obsession and journalistic bullets on Hillary Clinton --- she is far and way the least disturbed of the bunch.
Scott Walker
Rand Paul
Ted Cruz
Chris Christie
Ben Carson
Mike Huckabee
Rick Santorum
Ms. Dowd, there are plenty are legitimate Republican psychopaths to psychoanalyze.
Don't waste all of your obsession and journalistic bullets on Hillary Clinton --- she is far and way the least disturbed of the bunch.
328
Thanks, Socrates. I hope Ms. Dowd listens and does a little snarking about the terrifying candidates, not just the annoying one.
Otherwise, I'll just stop reading anyone but Gail Collins and Dr. Krugman. And for a moral comeuppance, should I crave one, David Brooks.
Otherwise, I'll just stop reading anyone but Gail Collins and Dr. Krugman. And for a moral comeuppance, should I crave one, David Brooks.
2
The GOP Gang Of Pansies may love piling on now.
But when it finally comes down to Mano a Mano their candidate will look like a wus.
Maureen, no woman has ever gotten this far before -- of course Hilary is figuring it out as she goes.
I admire her most, not because she is a woman, but because of her Midwestern grit.
And I am a guy..
She keeps forging ahead, despite the hatred.
Amazing actually.
When she meets with her counterparts on the world stage-- none of them will have overcome as many obstacles to get there.
But when it finally comes down to Mano a Mano their candidate will look like a wus.
Maureen, no woman has ever gotten this far before -- of course Hilary is figuring it out as she goes.
I admire her most, not because she is a woman, but because of her Midwestern grit.
And I am a guy..
She keeps forging ahead, despite the hatred.
Amazing actually.
When she meets with her counterparts on the world stage-- none of them will have overcome as many obstacles to get there.
17
She's a fake; end of story.
6
Maureen, isn't it time you let go of the same old same old? Yes, we know you relay, really dislike Hillary. Before you condemn her yet again for her ambition and her "relentless" pursuit of the presidency of this great nation, just think for a moment about other options. Where would our (yours and mine) middle class be in an America led by Scott Walker? Mike Huckabee? Rick Santorum? Chris Christie? Rand Paul? Even the "likable enough" Jeb Bush is a Actual Republican beneath his well-bred grace. The populist Democrats don't stand a chance. Please help make sure Hillary wins!
35
Make sure she wins?
Truth be told, Maureen was born and educated in the patriarchy, which has made her career possible. From her father and brother's "in", to her being The First Woman Columnist Chosen by the First Woman Columnist (Quinlen, who chose to go the wife-and-children route, Maureen's career has been built alongside plenty of lesser qualified men, like the Bush brothers.
Women like this never ever ever want to put down the special woman card. It's their ace card with the guys. If she is just another player, player the game on the cards she's been dealt, it becomes a different game.
Much easier to put on lipstick, smile at the guys sitting at the table, and essentially overthrow the rules because ... you know, girl player at the table!
(Luckily, not all women want to play the game this way. Some know the rules, are holding their cards, and can compete on the merits. No lipstick or outside special identity stories needed...)
Change is gonna come.
Truth be told, Maureen was born and educated in the patriarchy, which has made her career possible. From her father and brother's "in", to her being The First Woman Columnist Chosen by the First Woman Columnist (Quinlen, who chose to go the wife-and-children route, Maureen's career has been built alongside plenty of lesser qualified men, like the Bush brothers.
Women like this never ever ever want to put down the special woman card. It's their ace card with the guys. If she is just another player, player the game on the cards she's been dealt, it becomes a different game.
Much easier to put on lipstick, smile at the guys sitting at the table, and essentially overthrow the rules because ... you know, girl player at the table!
(Luckily, not all women want to play the game this way. Some know the rules, are holding their cards, and can compete on the merits. No lipstick or outside special identity stories needed...)
Change is gonna come.
At some point Hillary must have run over Maureen's cat. She doesn't like anything Hillary says or does. She calls Obama a 'feminized man'. Has she developed a fear and loathing of men who don't live up to the Marlboro man caricature and spend the off-time from their presidency clearing brush 'did they get a good photo, can you herd them out of here, so I can get back to the air conditioning?'
It is hard for the one breaking a glass ceiling to project the proper persona to those who trivialize what it takes to be president, as Maureen consistently does. Obama had to thread the needle between being too detached and being the 'angry black man' who 'just doesn't like white America'. Hillary has to be feminine yet possess the grit to be Commander-in-Chief.
Voters want a candidate like themselves. Isn't that odd? How many of us is qualified to run the country. I don't need a president who is like me, or who understands me. I need a president who can assemble a team that can do a good job of running the government.
It is hard for the one breaking a glass ceiling to project the proper persona to those who trivialize what it takes to be president, as Maureen consistently does. Obama had to thread the needle between being too detached and being the 'angry black man' who 'just doesn't like white America'. Hillary has to be feminine yet possess the grit to be Commander-in-Chief.
Voters want a candidate like themselves. Isn't that odd? How many of us is qualified to run the country. I don't need a president who is like me, or who understands me. I need a president who can assemble a team that can do a good job of running the government.
15
"Feminized man" Love that phrase about Barrack Obama. Classic. She's so old though and sooo much baggage I hope the Democrats have someone else as a candidate. Although it could just be a write off election since it's very rare that the same political party keeps the White House for 12 years straight. Give her a chance and say goodbye gracefully.
1
Let's hope that Maureen Dowd will finally stop writing about the 1990s.
28
she probably will when we all no longer have to deal with a candidate from the 1990s
“her strategist modeled Hillary on Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher.”
Thatcher was a politician of convictions not triangulations, manipulations, and cut corners.
The Falkland Island war brought out the best in Thatcher. Her decision to go to war was born of deep conviction of making a last stand for Great Britain against the Junta in Argentine. Madam neo-con –on the contrary-voted for the Iraq war to appear macho and political expediency. She has no problem sending American to die in foreign wars. Not because she believe it’s the right thing to do, but if it can advance her career.
That’s disgraceful…to say the least.
Thatcher was a politician of convictions not triangulations, manipulations, and cut corners.
The Falkland Island war brought out the best in Thatcher. Her decision to go to war was born of deep conviction of making a last stand for Great Britain against the Junta in Argentine. Madam neo-con –on the contrary-voted for the Iraq war to appear macho and political expediency. She has no problem sending American to die in foreign wars. Not because she believe it’s the right thing to do, but if it can advance her career.
That’s disgraceful…to say the least.
7
Regardless of how the "media" perceives Hillary, she is the only truly qualified candidate to emerge thus far. The GOP? They've got nothing but an Iowa field of idiots as far as the eye can see.
15
So taking money from governments that oppress women is OK?
How about lying about Benghazi?
Failing to designate Boko Haman a terrorist group
Failing to address Chris Stevens repeated requests for additional security?
How about that mythical sniper fire in Bosnia?
Why would you support Hillary since she's known about Bill's cheating since Arkansas? Shouldn't an empowered women put a stop to it or was her own political ambitions more important?
If taking money from a country like Qatar that finances Hamas is no problem then Hiilary Ida for you
Does taking millions from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, countries that practice Sharia law and suppress women? Hillary
How smart are you to ignore that?
How about lying about Benghazi?
Failing to designate Boko Haman a terrorist group
Failing to address Chris Stevens repeated requests for additional security?
How about that mythical sniper fire in Bosnia?
Why would you support Hillary since she's known about Bill's cheating since Arkansas? Shouldn't an empowered women put a stop to it or was her own political ambitions more important?
If taking money from a country like Qatar that finances Hamas is no problem then Hiilary Ida for you
Does taking millions from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, countries that practice Sharia law and suppress women? Hillary
How smart are you to ignore that?
please let us know how she is so qualified...please please fill us in....what has she done.........to improve America...other than overcharge the colleges she speaks at.....ck out her speaking fees......for a hr...full of what...that same tired speech....what was it $200,000 a speech.....sorry for all those student loans...just another day another $200,000,,,one thing for sure she is good at shaking down the liberal colleges who just cant get enough of the tired old speeches....but she is a woman.....
Maureen please make up your mind ! - last week you sort of compared Hilliary to Nixon - you know scheming, ruthless, amoral and generally not a nice person. This week she is Goldilocks - a decent woman in a man's world trying to find the right persona - not too macho and not too feminine. Your ambivalence about Hilliary and her search for for a 'marketable identity' is an unfortunate distraction from the polarized politics of our country. I am one of the fortunate who need not concern himself about paying the bills and keeping a roof over my head and the ever present possibility that the will be cast adrift - Those who are not fortunate which includes the great majority should vote for Donald Duck is he runs as a Democrat.
7
in both cases she wrote about someone out of touch: with her supposedly fellow citizens and herself. take the time to read insightfully since you apparently don't have to worry about what you need to survive.
But Mo, wasn't Hill wearing her shades in Chipotle? She is already too cool for that screaming clown car of the party of Lincoln. Cruz? Rubio? George W. Bush? The Republic Party used to be the grown up party. What happened?
7
shallow...is all I can say......sun glasses....cool....good god man get a grip.....we are not voting for a teen idol.......
Hillary is doomed right out of the gate. She's totally unable to react, speak or says what she really thinks in any venue. (if she did she would destroy her chances) Not a single honest emotion can come from her in any interview or situation. It so blatantly obvious its painful to watch her. I'm sure her war chest from the money makers will keep her presence in the forefront of the race, but she wont get a single vote from fly over country. Her strongest supporters (most of them are readers here) will wave the banner but in private question her ability to lead. They have no choice. They have no #2.
Its all in for Hillary.
Its all in for Hillary.
7
This article makes me sad. Not only the acceptance, but the bold suggestion, of people and politicians shedding their skins for a new one without concern as to the character of the individual in question or the ethics of people doing or saying anything to remain favorably in power. I wonder if this isn't a part of the problem in our country?
I grow tired of this debate. We most likely need someone in the middle to breech the ideological gap, not more life-long politicians. As atrocious as the 2nd Iraq war was, Bush wasn't nearly as bad as the screaming leftists made him out to be and he did not cause the economic depression. And while I disagree with the methods employed by this president to achieve his ideological agenda, he obviously isn't nearly as bad as the screaming rightists make him out to be.
If Hillary runs on the, "At least I am not this guy" argument, that might win her the loyalty of die hard progressives, but it might lose her the election. To be honest, I would be fine with that, because I don't necessarily see a better or worse alternative. Either way, at least at this point, we are in for another 8 years or crying and whining from a populace void of empathy and steeped in righteous ideological ego, who ever wins the election.
I grow tired of this debate. We most likely need someone in the middle to breech the ideological gap, not more life-long politicians. As atrocious as the 2nd Iraq war was, Bush wasn't nearly as bad as the screaming leftists made him out to be and he did not cause the economic depression. And while I disagree with the methods employed by this president to achieve his ideological agenda, he obviously isn't nearly as bad as the screaming rightists make him out to be.
If Hillary runs on the, "At least I am not this guy" argument, that might win her the loyalty of die hard progressives, but it might lose her the election. To be honest, I would be fine with that, because I don't necessarily see a better or worse alternative. Either way, at least at this point, we are in for another 8 years or crying and whining from a populace void of empathy and steeped in righteous ideological ego, who ever wins the election.
68
political shape-shifting isn't an american thing it's a human thing. it's been around since ancient athens and rome...and into prehistory
1
"Not nearly as bad"???
This is a superb example of complete detachment of reality. With all that fresh, clean air in Montana, it's heartbreaking that so many genuinely patriotic Americans are unable to see that GWB's actions and legacy will require decades to heal from. You're correct. He wasn't as bad as our "screaming" made him out to be, he was so much worse than that, that the rich, malleable, exquisite English language, has no word or phrase that can truly capture the ineffable depths he dragged us into. Please try to imagine whomever it is that you love most in this world being killed in that war ( I hope and pray that in reality, that did not happen to you, nor will it ever,--though it did to so many), and then tell us you could write these same words. I don't think so.
This is a superb example of complete detachment of reality. With all that fresh, clean air in Montana, it's heartbreaking that so many genuinely patriotic Americans are unable to see that GWB's actions and legacy will require decades to heal from. You're correct. He wasn't as bad as our "screaming" made him out to be, he was so much worse than that, that the rich, malleable, exquisite English language, has no word or phrase that can truly capture the ineffable depths he dragged us into. Please try to imagine whomever it is that you love most in this world being killed in that war ( I hope and pray that in reality, that did not happen to you, nor will it ever,--though it did to so many), and then tell us you could write these same words. I don't think so.
6
eric,
Yesterday a prestigious and well recognized journalist wrote an essay entitled 'Free The President' and for some reason it made me think of America's moral dilemma in 'Save The Tiger', with Jack Lemmon acting as the representative of the Middle Class.
Yesterday a prestigious and well recognized journalist wrote an essay entitled 'Free The President' and for some reason it made me think of America's moral dilemma in 'Save The Tiger', with Jack Lemmon acting as the representative of the Middle Class.
1
How about campaigning as just an authentic person? (I typed that with a straight face?)
3
i mostly agree with dowd. obviously this concerns me. if the country is not smart enough to elect a smart , experienced, capable leader who is also a woman, the country deserves what it gets. just like now. but, i do not think mckinnon is remotely funny. amy poehler set standard, capturing in characture both the substative brain and the compassionate somewhat insecure soul.
2
Feeling exhausted after a busy week and about to call it curtains at 8:00 on Quiet Saturday Night, I thought of what Mrs. Clinton has to put up with, and decided to read this flighty article which made my eyes mist over with ennui.
While it rings true that Mrs. Clinton may have wanted to come across as strong and not tear up in 2008, advice which I once gave to a powerful woman in the workplace, listen up women of all ages - a vivacious French matriarch at 94 just wrote 'Be strong as horse, work like a man and look like a woman', an attitude she adopted before the majority of us were born.
Mrs. Clinton is not interested in coming across as a sweet doting grannie, and I doubt Mrs. Barbara Bush was either. It is farcical to even think of this, and Mrs. Clinton has her act together, is brisk, knowledgeable and has a valid distrust of the influence of the Media on the Public who often appears not to have a mind of its own.
Perhaps we should all take a course in how we perceive ourselves and others. We might learn something new and surprising. In the meantime, Mrs. Clinton is a class act and a hard act to follow.
It would be interesting to have Barbara Walters and Hillary Clinton have an interview and might shed some bright light on this Democrat hopeful, rather than these dull, aggressive and loud articles which I confess I zipped through.
While it rings true that Mrs. Clinton may have wanted to come across as strong and not tear up in 2008, advice which I once gave to a powerful woman in the workplace, listen up women of all ages - a vivacious French matriarch at 94 just wrote 'Be strong as horse, work like a man and look like a woman', an attitude she adopted before the majority of us were born.
Mrs. Clinton is not interested in coming across as a sweet doting grannie, and I doubt Mrs. Barbara Bush was either. It is farcical to even think of this, and Mrs. Clinton has her act together, is brisk, knowledgeable and has a valid distrust of the influence of the Media on the Public who often appears not to have a mind of its own.
Perhaps we should all take a course in how we perceive ourselves and others. We might learn something new and surprising. In the meantime, Mrs. Clinton is a class act and a hard act to follow.
It would be interesting to have Barbara Walters and Hillary Clinton have an interview and might shed some bright light on this Democrat hopeful, rather than these dull, aggressive and loud articles which I confess I zipped through.
8
please you and I do not understand the ego that drives Hillary or any of the rest...its pure power.......pure and simple...an ego that thinks that she is the only one ......is frightening.........to say the least....remember no one forced her to run.....as with the rest of us we work for a living....not an option....
It warms the cockles of my heart to see a woman beat the ever livin' daylights out of a man. Especially if she can pull it off and still be very definitely a woman. The key to getting this right is to lull the man into a sense of safety and comfort. But how exactly can someone like Hilary lull anyone? She is obviously one tough chick and has been busting them for a long time.
So why not try a little tenderness for a few months. I can see a macho man like Scott Walker, Chris Christie or Ted Cruz just whipping it out there to show how big it is. At which time the buster will most likely make another appearance.
So why not try a little tenderness for a few months. I can see a macho man like Scott Walker, Chris Christie or Ted Cruz just whipping it out there to show how big it is. At which time the buster will most likely make another appearance.
3
How do you know she is one tough chick? Because she cut Bills head with a book? She has ZERO accomplishments.
Your views on gender are not very evolved. Women, or people as I often refer to them, can often take care of themselves.
Really? Maureen Dowd writing a negative column about Hillary?! I don't believe it!
18
Ms Dowd is redeeming herself
Funny, succinct comment, jh. If, however, you read today’s column carefully, Maureen Dowd seems to be displaying some empathy and admiration for Hillary Clinton. Ms. Dowd also is dispensing some very sound advice. The Hillary Clinton we rarely get to see may well have the sense of humor to take a few jabs with a smile, now that she is not wound so tight. Is this a truce unfolding before our very eyes?
Is there any chance columnists, at least those who write for The New York Times, could give more priority to the actual issues at hand, rather than spending so much time, print and bandwidth on superficial appearances? Who knows, it may even start a trend.
53
It might even elevate to the market better educated women writers, who are ready and able to compete on the merits in evaluating and writing about these new-breed 21st Century political candidates. The women ones too.
1
What Hillary Clinton - and every other candidate - needs to hear and know, is that people in this country are sick and tired of buzzwords and politicians who just roll over at corporate commands.
They'd love to have a President who pushes Big Business to show some patriotism and hire American workers, without putting them through ridiculous wringers such as online personality tests and social media screenings that are probably more detailed than the way they used to check out potential employees for the NSA or CIA. People aren't machines and they don't work by algorithms. They also, in what's supposed to be a free country, are NOT willing to endure jailhouse conditions as part of the job (as so often happens in that happy land where a lot of our stuff is made).
So what do we really need in a President? Someone like either of the Roosevelts - Franklin or Theodore - who knew how to convince the people that he was concerned about them, and also know how to get down and dirty when dealing with the powers that be in Congress. That was Obama's big mistake from the first - adopting Nancy Pelosi's 'You have to pass this bill to know what's in it' method. THAT ended up doing about as much good for public trust as Hurricane Katrina did for New Orleans.
Whether you're male or female doesn't make a difference when you're in the hot seat, any more than it does if you're a cop. You've got a job to do and a lot of arm-twisting is required. There's just no other way.
They'd love to have a President who pushes Big Business to show some patriotism and hire American workers, without putting them through ridiculous wringers such as online personality tests and social media screenings that are probably more detailed than the way they used to check out potential employees for the NSA or CIA. People aren't machines and they don't work by algorithms. They also, in what's supposed to be a free country, are NOT willing to endure jailhouse conditions as part of the job (as so often happens in that happy land where a lot of our stuff is made).
So what do we really need in a President? Someone like either of the Roosevelts - Franklin or Theodore - who knew how to convince the people that he was concerned about them, and also know how to get down and dirty when dealing with the powers that be in Congress. That was Obama's big mistake from the first - adopting Nancy Pelosi's 'You have to pass this bill to know what's in it' method. THAT ended up doing about as much good for public trust as Hurricane Katrina did for New Orleans.
Whether you're male or female doesn't make a difference when you're in the hot seat, any more than it does if you're a cop. You've got a job to do and a lot of arm-twisting is required. There's just no other way.
5
you are correct my friend....please just the facts...what are you going to do for this country......would be refreshing.
1
Hillary is scared to do something wrong she does norhing unscripted and overly controlled and prescripted. So she's nothing to demonstrate who she is and after an entire lifetime in the public eye is still trying to reinvent who she is based on what her handlers think the public wants her to be. That's no different from Mitt Romney. The Dems better find a real hinest person cause everyone can see theough the fraude of Hillaey and I for one am tire of voting of of fear of Repulicans. Dems have to earn my vote foing forward and Hillary isn't doing rhat.
5
Let the republicans win and you'll be wishing you had thought a little harder.
Kate McKinnon looks much much younger and looks much much better.
Can we vote for Kate?
Can we vote for Kate?
3
How do the men look, Dennis? Young and better? What is the acceptable double standard? Huckabee is on his way to gaining all of his weight back, (heaven knows what he keeps in his gullet) the overfed, gray complexed, Mr. Christie, (streaks of silver in his dark hair), Mr. Bylcreem, oily skinned, Ted Cruz? Chubby Jeb? Is there a higher physical standard for women running for office?
Of course there is.
Of course there is.
Sure dennis.
Because there's no difference between a pretty blonde lesbian comedian and the woman running for president of the United States.
Girls all!
Right Dennis?
Sure, Katie can do the job!! Toss in a lil Tina and Amy too, they can be secretaries of something or other, right??
Because there's no difference between a pretty blonde lesbian comedian and the woman running for president of the United States.
Girls all!
Right Dennis?
Sure, Katie can do the job!! Toss in a lil Tina and Amy too, they can be secretaries of something or other, right??
1
I'm holding out for Emma Watson.
President Obama, a "feminized man?" Gimme a break! How about a stand-up human being? There are very few of these in Washington, DC.
44
A clue to the real Hillary is outlined in two books; one by Ronald Kessler on the Secret Service and first families they protected and the other is the new book by Kate Brower "The Residence".
While Hillary is incredibly smart and accomplished, she is also secretive, paranoid and entitled and out of touch. Instead of staged listening tours with "everyday Americans" (mostly vetted Clinton loyalists) and proclaiming herself as a Champion of the middle class while in the words of her campaign "raising insane amounts of money mostly from Wall Street and corporations she pretends to loath but really loves; Ms. Clinton should be proud to admit that her "upbringing in a wealthy Illinois suburb was indeed privileged and that she and her family are members of the privileged one percent but that she would like to convey this opportunity to middle and working class Americans.
As the Michael Corleone character in Godfather ll said to the fiance of his niece who asked for his permission to marry her, "don't be ashamed to admit you are rich, there is nothing wrong with being rich"...and I would add being authentic.
While Hillary is incredibly smart and accomplished, she is also secretive, paranoid and entitled and out of touch. Instead of staged listening tours with "everyday Americans" (mostly vetted Clinton loyalists) and proclaiming herself as a Champion of the middle class while in the words of her campaign "raising insane amounts of money mostly from Wall Street and corporations she pretends to loath but really loves; Ms. Clinton should be proud to admit that her "upbringing in a wealthy Illinois suburb was indeed privileged and that she and her family are members of the privileged one percent but that she would like to convey this opportunity to middle and working class Americans.
As the Michael Corleone character in Godfather ll said to the fiance of his niece who asked for his permission to marry her, "don't be ashamed to admit you are rich, there is nothing wrong with being rich"...and I would add being authentic.
4
Interesting that Dowd criticized Hillary in a dozen different ways.....but then caves to calling men who criticize her as misogynistic !
Either Clinton can take the criticism or she can fold......not her opponents role to 'give her a break' because she's a woman ! So.....1960s. I can/do compete with men.....she should too.
Either Clinton can take the criticism or she can fold......not her opponents role to 'give her a break' because she's a woman ! So.....1960s. I can/do compete with men.....she should too.
5
I can/do compete with men.....she should too.
-----------
Are you addressing this to Hillary or Maureen?
The former is competing equally with the guys.
It's the women writers seeking special coverage of the woman candidate here.
Is she advising Scott or Rand to be a bitch to get ahead politically? I don't think so... likely they will be evaluated on their policy platforms, not this side "girly" nonsense...
-----------
Are you addressing this to Hillary or Maureen?
The former is competing equally with the guys.
It's the women writers seeking special coverage of the woman candidate here.
Is she advising Scott or Rand to be a bitch to get ahead politically? I don't think so... likely they will be evaluated on their policy platforms, not this side "girly" nonsense...
You really think you've endured more vilification and calumnies than Clinton has? Not on the worst day of your life, Bonnie.
1
Sad state of affairs when the GOP has 20 people vying for the position of Presidential Candidate in the primaries and the Dems can only come up with one -- who carries more baggage than AMTRAK.
4
Look at them. Don't mistake quantity for anything but quantity. Ted Cruz, Rick Perry? Please. Joke candidates.
1
Or she could simply be who she truly is and stop worrying about deceptive image management.
5
This column about yet another reinvention of Hillary Clinton serves to highlight her problem and our problem nationally with her: what they heck or who the heck is she?
From where I sit, I see a Mrs. Clinton so traumatized by what happened to her husband as president (impeachment) and what happened to her early attempts at health care change (the House went Republican) and then, even more, traumatized by her own experiences being a senator and running for president in '08 that she is afraid to be...human.
The fact is, she started at the top in politics, as a virtual aide to her husband and then running for the U.S. Senate. That's a tough place to start. She missed the ten to twenty year training and toughening period that goes with the gradual rise to higher office. Instead, she was forced to absorb the shocks hitting her and her husband while learning on the job. (Everyone learns in the White House, of course, because there is no other choice; learn or run for your life.)
If I could give a little advice to Mrs. Clinton...I would say this...
go big,
go bold
and go for it as though it doesn't matter whether you win or not.
Be yourself, whatever remains of yourself, and knock about half your advisors out of the room and, if need be, over the head. Concentrate on telling us what you plan to do as president and why you want the job. Let the rest of the story take care of itself, but, yes, be prepared to fight back against the false charges that are coming.
From where I sit, I see a Mrs. Clinton so traumatized by what happened to her husband as president (impeachment) and what happened to her early attempts at health care change (the House went Republican) and then, even more, traumatized by her own experiences being a senator and running for president in '08 that she is afraid to be...human.
The fact is, she started at the top in politics, as a virtual aide to her husband and then running for the U.S. Senate. That's a tough place to start. She missed the ten to twenty year training and toughening period that goes with the gradual rise to higher office. Instead, she was forced to absorb the shocks hitting her and her husband while learning on the job. (Everyone learns in the White House, of course, because there is no other choice; learn or run for your life.)
If I could give a little advice to Mrs. Clinton...I would say this...
go big,
go bold
and go for it as though it doesn't matter whether you win or not.
Be yourself, whatever remains of yourself, and knock about half your advisors out of the room and, if need be, over the head. Concentrate on telling us what you plan to do as president and why you want the job. Let the rest of the story take care of itself, but, yes, be prepared to fight back against the false charges that are coming.
7
I basically gave the same advice, if my comment ever appears. But the answer to your question is that she's an empty vessel of ambition, filled with whatever is thought light enough that day to keep a candidacy buoyant. But, then, little more could be said about Mitt Romney, could it? And he almost won.
Maureen's column was fair enough until she got to the part about Hillary's GOP rivals being condescending misogynists. Perhaps she can quote some of them, because I have not heard a single such remark. If she cannot provide any proof, it falls in the cheap shot category a la Harry Reid.
3
that's right, it was an unfair shot.........No one is being misogynistic toward Hillary because she's not even showing herself, just her black Van
John Voght
Apparently the GOP rivals gathered together this weekend, and had a party bashing Mrs. Clinton. At last hearing, they are quite hung-over and not planning to unite again.
Apparently the GOP rivals gathered together this weekend, and had a party bashing Mrs. Clinton. At last hearing, they are quite hung-over and not planning to unite again.
"the unpersuasive National Intelligence Estimate"
Let's not forget that one of your (NYT) reporters was wildly waving the flag for war.
And let us not forget Colin Powell and Cheney and Rice boldly lying to Congress and the American people.
Let's not forget that one of your (NYT) reporters was wildly waving the flag for war.
And let us not forget Colin Powell and Cheney and Rice boldly lying to Congress and the American people.
14
Then let's also not forget Hillary and all of the other Democrats also boldly lying on the floor of the Congress and the Senate about the war..............
Wake-up people! Once again, it's not Hillary's time.
Deja vu 2008 ..... everything about the roll out was awkward, scripted and choreographed by the wrong directors behind the curtain. Her campaign is being monitored to the most minute details so they she does not have a chance to be caught flat footed and make a HUMAN mistake which will make her more incapable of handling spontaneous crowds or hecklers.
Helicopter Mother .... no, Helicopter Handlers, YES!
Deja vu 2008 ..... everything about the roll out was awkward, scripted and choreographed by the wrong directors behind the curtain. Her campaign is being monitored to the most minute details so they she does not have a chance to be caught flat footed and make a HUMAN mistake which will make her more incapable of handling spontaneous crowds or hecklers.
Helicopter Mother .... no, Helicopter Handlers, YES!
4
The campaign has barely begun and yet Ms. Dowd has pounced before the mouse has even left the mouse-hole. The world facing my children and grandchildren is far too serious for the mockery of Ms. Dowd - who sees our wise President as a feminized male and Hillary Clinton as Chipolte Granny. She sneaks clumsy insults into her writing, passing them off as observations but they remain insults none-the-less. Ms. Dowd's comments reveal much more about herself than they do about her subjects - and any reader of her columns can find her portrait written in acid. The sad fact is that Ms. Dowd can be an astute observer yet she prefers to play the role of leader of the "mean girls" to that of a fair and intelligent observer of her subjects.
46
I don't see her insults as clumsy at all....they are in your face.
The underlying premise of Dowd's screed is that Clinton actually stands for something. And therein lies the problem.
All Hillary believes in is her getting elected. Everything else is subject to poll testing. It didn't work last time and she is off to the same start this time.
Good luck with that.
All Hillary believes in is her getting elected. Everything else is subject to poll testing. It didn't work last time and she is off to the same start this time.
Good luck with that.
9
What in the world could have possessed her? This good dog and I are sitting here trying to figure it out. She’s gonna help the middle class? Educate the poor? Fix the Middle East? Don’t make this good dog laugh. It’s not a sound you want to hear.
Hillary has already seen it all, done it all and suffered through enough ersatz love and public abuse to make an elephant gag. And now she wants more of this? Does she really want to get pulled-together by strangers three or four times a day so she can go on TV to make speeches that say and do nothing. And meet up afterwards with boy scouts wanting to get their pictures taken and officials of impoverished countries looking for handouts they can abscond with? And endlessly be pawed-over by the media?
We hoped she would say no. She’s already looking a bit frazzled around the edges and four years in office could easily end up with her looking like the picture on Dorian's wall.
Why do people do this to themselves, and why do other people encourage them to do it?
This good dog has me, and I have her. We walk in the woods, read books, listen to music, watch movies, take naps and post comments in the NY Times.
We don’t change lives, but we don’t inspire false hope either. And we try hard not to be a burden or a nuisance to anybody. We like Hillary and wish, for her sake and ours, that she wasn't running.
It is still not too late to reconsider. It's nice in the woods. We'll save you and Bill a spot, just in case.
Hillary has already seen it all, done it all and suffered through enough ersatz love and public abuse to make an elephant gag. And now she wants more of this? Does she really want to get pulled-together by strangers three or four times a day so she can go on TV to make speeches that say and do nothing. And meet up afterwards with boy scouts wanting to get their pictures taken and officials of impoverished countries looking for handouts they can abscond with? And endlessly be pawed-over by the media?
We hoped she would say no. She’s already looking a bit frazzled around the edges and four years in office could easily end up with her looking like the picture on Dorian's wall.
Why do people do this to themselves, and why do other people encourage them to do it?
This good dog has me, and I have her. We walk in the woods, read books, listen to music, watch movies, take naps and post comments in the NY Times.
We don’t change lives, but we don’t inspire false hope either. And we try hard not to be a burden or a nuisance to anybody. We like Hillary and wish, for her sake and ours, that she wasn't running.
It is still not too late to reconsider. It's nice in the woods. We'll save you and Bill a spot, just in case.
5
What a beautiful comment........enjoy!
1
Dear Hilary, please do follow Maureen's advice. Then we can all enjoy reading Maureen twisting herself in knots to bash you for it.
9
The worst thing about Hillary's campaign that we'll probably now get 18 months of Maureen Dowd's columns on Hillary's campaign.
51
Advice to Hillary, "Reach across the aisle ... and kick them in the ... shins."
14
Women in politics walk a very shaky tightrope between, as you note, being too masculine and are seen as annoying, if not b****y, and too feminine and therefore too emotional and weak. The "No Drama Obama" approach is probably the best way forward without falling off. The mature, calm, but caring, feminine is just the right approach if Secretary Clinton wants to be the first woman elected President. That was clearly the message of her introductory video announcing her candidacy. Whether or not she can keep her emotions in check during the campaign and the debates will be the ultimate test. So far she has not shied away from embracing some non-"low key" progressive Democratic positions like a Constitutional amendment to end Citizens United and that is also a way that will help motivate the Obama base of young and people of color to turn out. I'm cautiously optimistic that she'll adopt other positions of progressive Senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, hopefully with the fervor and clarity that they do. But, the last thing we need is Hillary as a tough Tumblr chick ready to bomb Iran. We need to see a mature adult with the vision and experience to guide the nation through the many international crises with diplomacy rather than military force. This the area where Hillary has a huge advantage over her Republican rivals and hopefully she'll demonstrated it.
5
Could it be that all the lockstep screaming against Sarah Palin became so much fun for the liberal stenographers in the media that they are stuck on that song and are playing it on Hillary? After all, everybody watches Sat. Night Live now.
I guess Ms. Dowd got the memo it's time to rehabilitate Clinton after her disasterous Iowa adventure. No matter. Ms. Clinton will fail in her quest because of the the most sexist of reasons: She is not Bill. People liked him; they don't like her.
94
Perhaps, in the end, President Obama, will have been right.
"You're likable enough Hillary."
"You're likable enough Hillary."
3
No.
Hillary will fail because she is unqualified, unlikeable, unaccomplished, and a craven prevaricating harpy.
Hillary will fail because she is unqualified, unlikeable, unaccomplished, and a craven prevaricating harpy.
Bill possesses a unique talent for projecting “like-ableness,” even through unlikable situations. Hillary just doesn’t have it; can’t fake it.
I thought Maureen Dowd wrote for the NY Times. Had to check that someone had not switched my internet to FOXNEWS. I'm not pro-Clinton, rather anti-republican (they cannot ruin the country quickly enough--unless you approach the 1%). The vitriol, the invective spewing from Dowd--what the ....is that all about? Is this commentary or hate speech? What did Hillary Clinton ever do to you, Dowd, that you can only hate? abush
52
Hillary embodies the 1% and supports Bill's war on women. What's not to like?
1
I doubt anyone on Fox News' payroll would voice the Maureenisms in the final paragraph. This is simply what an independent voice sounds like - and no wonder you're shocked by it. There was no such diversity in 2007-08 or 2011-12.
The hour that the GOP has a definite candidate, you'll be gratified to see the histrionics blasted at that man or woman by the whole cast over here at the Times. Once again, you'll be asking yourself how anyone ever picked him or her.
The hour that the GOP has a definite candidate, you'll be gratified to see the histrionics blasted at that man or woman by the whole cast over here at the Times. Once again, you'll be asking yourself how anyone ever picked him or her.
Unfortunate title of Ms. Dowd's column , "Granny Get Your Gun". We have had too many guns in this country, too many murders, assassinations, massacres of innocents by shooters and gunsels. So Granny Hillary "get your gun" is beyond the pale, as is "bitch is the new black". Hillary Clinton has already lived the equivalent of several lives. Governor's wife, First Lady of the US, Senator of New York, Obama's first Secretary of State, and now she is girding her loins to make a run for the Presidency 19 long months from now. If elected in 2016, Mrs. Clinton will be 69 years old. Remarkably, Teddy Roosevelt only lived to 61, FDR, who looked ancient when he died in 1944, was just 63 years old. Cleopatra was only 40, Old Julius Caesar, her lover fell, stabbed at 56. Could we have imagined that our young Democratic President, John F. Kennedy elected in 1960 would be killed in Texas at 46 years of age, though his visit to Dallas in November, 63, was a kind of "roll-out and kick off" for his campaign. 19 months from now, we will be voting for a new President. In the coming year and a half, Untold events and shocks will occur in the coming 19 months. terrors, or an earthquake or hurricane - or the unexpected deaths of people we hold dear and not so dear. We all need to remember - while we're chuckling over Maureen Dowd's clever yawns about Hillary Clinton - that in this life, there's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip . And the best-laid plans of mice and men...
4
My wife has the same problem all her bad mistakes are made with my advice
3
You are so right. If she had voted against that war she'd be President right now. And at the time her vote would have meant so much to hold up that thing. I wonder how Obama would've voted had he been in the Senate? My hunch is he'd have gone FOR it. Weirdly, the only candidate in the race right now who voted against it, is Rand Paul. Maybe Jim Webb will get in. I truly believe that war vote is a great test of not just a leader's job report but also their character. Did they do their research? Did they have the guts to "look weak"? Think how much better the world would be without that war.
3
Hillary Clinton will never be President. I know someone has to win but all the candidates from both parties are all so unlikable.
2
Ms Dowd's advice is exactly what is wrong with politics and candidates today. Hillary is a known comodity good bad or indifferent as to wha you think of her. This suggestion that reinventing herself like Madonna every election cycle is why Americans are turned off. Rather than relying on what SNL's portait is or what pols well, it would be best is we had tried and true candidates that came to the forefront with conviction, morals and willing to discuss their ideas for Americas future rather than a tightly scripted series of photo ops with insiders cast as normal everyday Americans. We know little of her positions on the major issues of the day than we know from the man in the moon. the same goes for most of the Republicans as well. This is a media construct every four years and is no better than a high school prom king and queen election.
4
People still watch SNL? Really?
Tina Fey? She's the one who is best known for doing the Sarah Palin impression, right?
These cultural names come and go... where are the black lady comedians? I suspect they will leave Tina and Any and the white gals in the dust, once THEIR voices are heard...
Tina Fey? She's the one who is best known for doing the Sarah Palin impression, right?
These cultural names come and go... where are the black lady comedians? I suspect they will leave Tina and Any and the white gals in the dust, once THEIR voices are heard...
Enough of Hillary Clinton and columns like this one for the next 19 months. Will Democratic competitors like Martin O'Malley, Bernie Sanders and Jim Webb please announce thier candidacy! Democrats deserve and need some other choices in 2016. Hillary Clinton is NOT a done deal.
7
My vote, as long as I live in Utah, will never count. But the only reason to vote for Mrs. Clinton is the Supreme Court. Since the court lasts longer than any president, that's an important reason.
36
advisers think that this humility tour will move her past the hilarious caricature by Kate McKinnon on “Saturday Night Live” of Hillary as a manipulative, clawing robot who has coveted the role as leader of the free world for decades.
If you think that this skit on SNL is hilarious then that explains alot about the cat-fighting attitude that you hold aganist Sec'y Clinton. I get that you're trying to say that YOU'RE black.
If you think that this skit on SNL is hilarious then that explains alot about the cat-fighting attitude that you hold aganist Sec'y Clinton. I get that you're trying to say that YOU'RE black.
7
Oh, stuff happens on SNL and their best material since forever happens in the first 15 minutes of the show. The Kate McKinnon parody of Hillary will not be all what they will do for the next 16 months. Nobody should get comfortable.
Why I succumbed to reading this op-ed piece I do not know, but I do know that I will cancel my subscription to The Times and try to hide in a media-free place if 18+ months before the election we have to face more of the likes of this piece. Can we please not get so obsessed with the election this far in advance? Can we please control this Clinton obsession for just a bit longer? And why do my instincts tell me that Hillary Clinton is going to be dissected, pilloried, admonished, trivialized, condescended to, chastised, condemned, disparaged, lambasted, trashed and panned from all directions because she's the first woman to advance this far in US politics? Hillary Clinton has a flawed character just like every other presidential candidate -- and just like most people in general. Is this going to be a case where a flawed woman faces more flack for being flawed than would a man? Maureen, you have writing and analytical talents that could be put to much better use than exasperating NY Times readers with aspects of Hillary Clinton that are of little consequence to the future well-being of this country. Please write about where she is on the issues that affect us all and if you could, how about dispensing with the cute, catchy phrases like "hokey Chipotle Granny," which detract from more important issues.
50
Consider it a girls columnist writing about the girl candidate in girly ways.
We're going back to the 70s because we have a woman running and ... unique! Wow! A woman... how special!
We're going back to the 70s because we have a woman running and ... unique! Wow! A woman... how special!
Re: "Let’s hope that the hokey Chipotle Granny will give way to the cool Tumblr Chick in time to teach her Republican rivals — who are coming after her with every condescending, misogynist, distorted thing they’ve got.."
Are You projecting Maureen? You seem to go after Hillary with everything you've got. And calling Ms. Clinton Chipotle Granny is demeaning. You really shouldn't stoop so low for a "cheap laugh".
Are You projecting Maureen? You seem to go after Hillary with everything you've got. And calling Ms. Clinton Chipotle Granny is demeaning. You really shouldn't stoop so low for a "cheap laugh".
39
She leaves herself open to attack and ridicule because of her own actions, plain and simple.
‘Enough! We give up! Life is too short to deal with this awful woman!
Hmm, Maureen Dowd, some of us are beginning to feel this way about you with your column after column on the same, particularly Hillary Clinton.
Describing the President as a 'feminized man" was a new low.
Enough already.
Hmm, Maureen Dowd, some of us are beginning to feel this way about you with your column after column on the same, particularly Hillary Clinton.
Describing the President as a 'feminized man" was a new low.
Enough already.
318
That, of course, is not the first time she's struck that low blow.
2
A new low only if you are an Obama man. Lots of us are not, and we think it's funny and spot on.
To Fahey - While Maureen hasn't always been kind to the President, I think her comment about the "feminized man" was actually meant to be complimentary. I took it to mean he was able to think with something other than his ummm . . . manliness.
I am interested in which of the people out there would be good presidents. I am not interested in movie reviews or celebrity magazine makeover analysis. The future of the country, if not the world, is at stake, and Ms. Dowd is giving us analyses on the order of "something between an overdose of testosterone and an overdose of estrogen" and "b**h is the new black." This is the New York Times and its readers deserve better.
83
Thank you Howard for "This is the New York Times and its readers deserve better."
22
Since the late 1960's, the American public has seesawed between wanting a presidential candidate who at first glance seemed authentic - Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama - and buying into others who were plainly pretenders and fakes - Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George Bush 43. Maureen Dowd is just pointing out that Hillary Clinton the candidate is an artifice, a totally hollow invention. Indeed, Hillary's only real qualification seems to be that she has hung in there. So let's just hope that, given the choices, this time the public buys into her fakeness, or at least looks past it.
Well, Mo, you manage the impossible. Your unceasing criticism of all things Clinton makes Hillary a sympathetic figure. Keep it up-- you're probably doing Clinton 2016 a good turn.
65
No. It doesn't. Now it is more important than ever to remind people why Hillary Clinton is not a sympathetic figure.
“Bitches get stuff done,” Fey proclaimed in a “Weekend Update” segment on “Saturday Night Live” that ended with, “Bitch is the new black.”
****
If we are being historically accurate, my I remind you, Ms Dowd, that Tracy Morgan revisited that skit and deadpanned it with "Bitch may be the new black, but Black is the new president, bitch!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbkZrUgR4yY
****
If we are being historically accurate, my I remind you, Ms Dowd, that Tracy Morgan revisited that skit and deadpanned it with "Bitch may be the new black, but Black is the new president, bitch!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbkZrUgR4yY
24
We've seen how well that worked out.
I realize that Ms. Dowd has made a growth-industry out of critiquing and ridiculing people named Bush and Clinton but this is really growing absurd. Only at the very end of this piece does she even allude to the nasty, sexist and ageist comments that some of the other Republican candidunces have already started to deploy. Isn't it about time that she spread the wealth, so to speak, and do an op/ed about Ted, Rand, Marco, Curly, Larry or Moe?
355
Maybe if it becomes public knowledge that Ted, Rand, or Marco, set up a private e-mail, then destroyed the server she'll go after them too. I love how you liberals get so bent out of shape when a liberal reporter criticizes Hillary. If any of the Republican and/or Rino candidates committed a fraction of the misdeeds this woman has done they'd already be out of the race.
1
The male candidates for President will never get the harsh criticism that Hillary Clinton gets. I stopped reading MD's column after the first sentence. Her critiques of Senator Clinton are so predictable and so redundant. I actually find the comment section more interesting.
2
Sexist. You mean like the crude insults liberals leveled at Sarah Palin?
Ageist? Like what they threw at McCain?
Ageist? Like what they threw at McCain?
1
Hillary is so far hidden behind her "campaign" poll-tested images that everyone is forced to resort to what they know about her. And that's not a good thing.
I get the feeling she is literally hiding from everyone so they won't know she's the real Hillary that no one likes.
I get the feeling she is literally hiding from everyone so they won't know she's the real Hillary that no one likes.
23
You mean that YOU don't like.
33
Barbara:
Please don't shoot the messenger. I don't dislike Hillary. Like the majority of people polled, I find her dishonest. People tend not to like those they find dishonest.
My guess is that the reason her campaign is like a silent film (no sound) is to avoid getting her too close to the public, which is when her poll numbers drop.
Please don't shoot the messenger. I don't dislike Hillary. Like the majority of people polled, I find her dishonest. People tend not to like those they find dishonest.
My guess is that the reason her campaign is like a silent film (no sound) is to avoid getting her too close to the public, which is when her poll numbers drop.
10
Please explain why you find her dishonest.
3
“When people feel uncertain, they’d rather have someone who’s strong and wrong than somebody who’s weak and right.”
But "strong" does not mean "crazy."
"Speak softly and carry a big stick" was strong, but not crazy. Invading Iraq was crazy, not strong.
Our politicians are uniformly playing to Bill Clinton's insight here, but they are doing it wrong. Hillary did. But almost everyone else does too.
Strong can be combined with calm, steady, trustworthy, reliable. And right. It doesn't have to be "strong and wrong."
Of course Penn had a point that calm, steady, trustworthy, and reliable does not combine well with tears. It didn't for George Romney, and it wouldn't for Hillary.
Then again Penn was very wrong: being a woman does not mean dissolving in tears under pressure. I've dealt with some astonishing women attorneys who get the different, every minute of the day. They do it, and a politician can too. Apparently Penn can't.
But "strong" does not mean "crazy."
"Speak softly and carry a big stick" was strong, but not crazy. Invading Iraq was crazy, not strong.
Our politicians are uniformly playing to Bill Clinton's insight here, but they are doing it wrong. Hillary did. But almost everyone else does too.
Strong can be combined with calm, steady, trustworthy, reliable. And right. It doesn't have to be "strong and wrong."
Of course Penn had a point that calm, steady, trustworthy, and reliable does not combine well with tears. It didn't for George Romney, and it wouldn't for Hillary.
Then again Penn was very wrong: being a woman does not mean dissolving in tears under pressure. I've dealt with some astonishing women attorneys who get the different, every minute of the day. They do it, and a politician can too. Apparently Penn can't.
8
For the last year, people have pointed out how out of control things are getting. In all cases, they were told to be patient. Yet, worse and worse it gets. At what point do we acknowledge that "calm, steady, trustworthy and reliable" has resulted in chaos?
Things may be out of control, but they are not getting more out of control. They are being slowly, too slowly, brought back under control.
The worst things spinning out of control were done by leftover hawks with too much influence, like the pure neocons who did Ukraine (Nuland and our Ambassador there) and Syria (see our Ambassador there).
The things not coming under control are blocked by the crazies who did them, like Gitmo.
What Obama has been able to do as he said he would has worked out well. He may well end the Iran problem without bloodshed, to the distress of those who mostly want bloodshed and chaos there.
The worst things spinning out of control were done by leftover hawks with too much influence, like the pure neocons who did Ukraine (Nuland and our Ambassador there) and Syria (see our Ambassador there).
The things not coming under control are blocked by the crazies who did them, like Gitmo.
What Obama has been able to do as he said he would has worked out well. He may well end the Iran problem without bloodshed, to the distress of those who mostly want bloodshed and chaos there.
"Let’s hope that the hokey Chipotle Granny...."
Amazing! Even for a dyspeptic columnist who obviously sees herself as pone of a small group of straight shooters, this is pretty awful! We are talking about a contender for the American Presidency. We have to be prepared for 18 months of drivel and nonsense about the personal tics and irrelevant characteristics of all the candidates in much of the press. Can we please have some discussion about policies and the important issues and less silly stuff that comes (as my schoolteachers would have told me) from trying to be too clever!
Amazing! Even for a dyspeptic columnist who obviously sees herself as pone of a small group of straight shooters, this is pretty awful! We are talking about a contender for the American Presidency. We have to be prepared for 18 months of drivel and nonsense about the personal tics and irrelevant characteristics of all the candidates in much of the press. Can we please have some discussion about policies and the important issues and less silly stuff that comes (as my schoolteachers would have told me) from trying to be too clever!
540
I think Maureen will start discussing policies and important issues as soon as Hillary stops the Scooby van road trip and starts leading the way on that front. I'm not holding my breath.
Are you speaking of the recent Republicant conference, where all dissed Hillary, not discussing politics, important issues, and letting us all know their plans for making this nation better?
This is an example of why people say American election campaigns are much too long---it looks like we are in for another year and a half of vapid anti-Hillary snark from Dowd. (and then another 8 years if Hillary is elected...?)
Hillary is going living room to living room answering questions asked by voters about what voters care about.
Having listened to voters in NH living rooms I know they are asking more serious and substantive questions--- how will you protect Social Security? Medicare? What about student loan debt? Mortgage foreclosures? Minimum wage? Food stamps? Saving family farms? Helping wounded and/or unemployed Veterans? Child poverty? What about underfunded schools? Pension security? Underemployment? Child care? Unemployment? Predatory car loans? How do we overcome all that has happened between us and Iran since 1953? Syrian refugees? Pivot to Asia? Hunger? ISIS!, Public Health Infrastructure, human trafficking, fracking, carbon tax, water table, melting Greenland and its effect on the Gulf Stream, Polar vortex....(OK and then there is the occasional question like what do you think of smoking bans?)
I could go on but, word limit; all readers could add to this.
Voters ask about issues, political reporters and columnists try to one up each other on cleverly turned phrases of snark, but they don't serve the role of a free press in a democracy: informing voters of policy differences between the candidates and their implications.
Hillary is going living room to living room answering questions asked by voters about what voters care about.
Having listened to voters in NH living rooms I know they are asking more serious and substantive questions--- how will you protect Social Security? Medicare? What about student loan debt? Mortgage foreclosures? Minimum wage? Food stamps? Saving family farms? Helping wounded and/or unemployed Veterans? Child poverty? What about underfunded schools? Pension security? Underemployment? Child care? Unemployment? Predatory car loans? How do we overcome all that has happened between us and Iran since 1953? Syrian refugees? Pivot to Asia? Hunger? ISIS!, Public Health Infrastructure, human trafficking, fracking, carbon tax, water table, melting Greenland and its effect on the Gulf Stream, Polar vortex....(OK and then there is the occasional question like what do you think of smoking bans?)
I could go on but, word limit; all readers could add to this.
Voters ask about issues, political reporters and columnists try to one up each other on cleverly turned phrases of snark, but they don't serve the role of a free press in a democracy: informing voters of policy differences between the candidates and their implications.
394
Her photo ops are all staged with Democrat volunteers, hardly an honest campaign going on. You should hope a better challenger steps up for the Democrat party's sake.
Predatory car loans ?
Yes, the "media" (don't call 'em journalists) are pretty worthless and ineffective. You don't need them to hear Hillary. Unfortunately, though, Hillary's staff will filter and distort Hillary themselves. Bill has some great advice; the daughter and staff are pretty much clueless.
And everybody's sayin that there's nobody meaner than the little old lady from Chappaqua
She drives real fast and she drives real hard
Cross her and you're face down on the boulevard
Go granny, go granny, go granny, go
She drives real fast and she drives real hard
Cross her and you're face down on the boulevard
Go granny, go granny, go granny, go
40
Just don't go with her to Ft Marcy Park!!
Outstanding!
1
Peter C
And I once worked for a sharp tough blade, who shook his head over the mean reaction the people had when Ed Muskie shed tears and it cost him his bid for the presidential election because we were afraid that he was too soft.
And I once worked for a sharp tough blade, who shook his head over the mean reaction the people had when Ed Muskie shed tears and it cost him his bid for the presidential election because we were afraid that he was too soft.
As an FDR Democrat, I have misgivings about Hillary Clinton, especially after her spokesperson's weaselly statement about the TPP. However, given a choice between her and any of the miserable cast of characters on offer by the other party, which is unfit to govern, I would not need any better reason than sheer self-defense to vote for her, and every other Democrat on the ticket.
488
You are entitled to your views, but don't you think this country has had enough FDR style populism? You are voicing frustration and vitriol which is never very constructive. Be more tolerant of others, is my advice.
PS: Enough FDR-style populism? Have we been inhabiting the same planet? I have seen no evidence of that in our elected officials for 40 years! In case you hadn't noticed, the oligarchs have been in control for some time now, and their influence is only growing, thanks to Citizens United.
3
The Hillary can win the deep blue states (like NY) with no difficulty. But the purple states is where it is going to get really hard for her. It looks like she will pouring mountains of money into about 5 to 7 states to swing them. My own view-- given the state of the electoral map, which heavily favors a Dem victory, The Hillary may the only Dem who can be beaten.
Who are you callin' "feminized?"
The President is a MAN.
The President is a MAN.
299
Why can't a man be feminized? And why should that be a bad thing? It takes a man at ease in his masculinity to embrace his inner feminine, just as it takes a woman at ease in her femininity to embrace her inner masculine.
Debra
Apparently the President has little regard for Ms. Dowd and she has been weeping in her soup ever since word got around. He is everything that a man should be and he does not like this kind of mean-spirited bickering journalism which brings out the worse in most of us.
Apparently the President has little regard for Ms. Dowd and she has been weeping in her soup ever since word got around. He is everything that a man should be and he does not like this kind of mean-spirited bickering journalism which brings out the worse in most of us.
8
Apparently not "man enough" for Maureen Dowd, since he's managed to carry himself with dignity under the most outrageous assaults against a sitting President in our recent history.
9
And why don't you think HC can be both? Muscular and tough on foreign policy and a big promoter of domestic and family well being? It seems to me that she has had consistent support of these two areas for quite a long time....
79
Tough on Foriegn Policy? You mean leaving Americas for dead and that ineffective and akward "reset" clown show with Russia? Maybe it was back in the 90's when she said the Taliban would bring stability to the ME?
Where did you get the idea that Hillary Clinton was "the most famous woman on the planet"?
How about Marie Curie? How about Serena and Venus WIlliams? How about Renee Fleming? Marian Anderson? Alice Munro? Should I get going?
How about Marie Curie? How about Serena and Venus WIlliams? How about Renee Fleming? Marian Anderson? Alice Munro? Should I get going?
18
Sorry, but isn't Mdm Curie dead?
As to the others, some of us have heard some of the names but only some of us and only some of the names.
As to the others, some of us have heard some of the names but only some of us and only some of the names.
George L.
Let's add on and make it valid and fun: Golda Meir?
Let's add on and make it valid and fun: Golda Meir?
Read a little.
As a long-term Democrat, I would have enjoyed supporting Hillary. I thought Bill clinton a genius and great communicator, and a helluva politician.
However, Obama is completely overboard on the Iran negotiations, and now calls the S-300 missile sales to Iran by Russia "understandable", after the WH first condemned the sale. Must have been an interesting call with Putin. Further, I tire of hearing the WH apologize for the Mullahs by explaining their chants of "Death to America" and "Destroy Israel" as merely "domestic consumption" statements. Meanwhile, that's how people described Hitler's promises to annihilate European Jewry, until he carried out his promises. "Snap back" sanctions seem to also be going the way Iran wants it, while the President "orders" his diplomats to "find creative ways" to allow the Iranians to be immediately free of sanctions, so Obama can have his "legacy" moment.
These days, I like the Republican candidates better on Israel. I think Obama was a decent domestic President, but there are no statues of Roosevelt in Israel for a reason (he refused to bomb the Auschwitz rail lines).
I part company with Axelrod, Tom Friedman, and Noam Chomsky. on Israel Go support the BDS wing of the Democratic Party. I'm tired of the shilling for the Administration and the running of "news" articles timed to explain our President's contradictions on Iran.
Hillary, I fear you will be beholden to the Left wing of my party, continuing an "ambivalent" Israel-Iran policy.
However, Obama is completely overboard on the Iran negotiations, and now calls the S-300 missile sales to Iran by Russia "understandable", after the WH first condemned the sale. Must have been an interesting call with Putin. Further, I tire of hearing the WH apologize for the Mullahs by explaining their chants of "Death to America" and "Destroy Israel" as merely "domestic consumption" statements. Meanwhile, that's how people described Hitler's promises to annihilate European Jewry, until he carried out his promises. "Snap back" sanctions seem to also be going the way Iran wants it, while the President "orders" his diplomats to "find creative ways" to allow the Iranians to be immediately free of sanctions, so Obama can have his "legacy" moment.
These days, I like the Republican candidates better on Israel. I think Obama was a decent domestic President, but there are no statues of Roosevelt in Israel for a reason (he refused to bomb the Auschwitz rail lines).
I part company with Axelrod, Tom Friedman, and Noam Chomsky. on Israel Go support the BDS wing of the Democratic Party. I'm tired of the shilling for the Administration and the running of "news" articles timed to explain our President's contradictions on Iran.
Hillary, I fear you will be beholden to the Left wing of my party, continuing an "ambivalent" Israel-Iran policy.
21
Hillary is not Barak. And, she needs to start speaking up about her policies when the campaign really gets going. I think Obama has let us down in some ways, not all. Since when are we given perfect candidates? You cannot pit one candidate against an ideal candidate. How would Secretary (President?) Clinton's ideas for governing stack up against J.Bush, Rubio, Cruz or that gargoyle from Wisconsin? Those will be the choices.
14
Those missiles were not banned by the sanctions, even we admitted that at the time.
Russia held back and then canceled the sale as a courtesy, while relations were better between Russia and the US.
Now we no longer have those good relations with Russia. Than the hawks for that. Courtesy is over.
Not surprising, not in the least. We arm Russia's enemies, and they arm ours. It doesn't all go one way. So blame the hawks, not Obama. He's right.
Russia held back and then canceled the sale as a courtesy, while relations were better between Russia and the US.
Now we no longer have those good relations with Russia. Than the hawks for that. Courtesy is over.
Not surprising, not in the least. We arm Russia's enemies, and they arm ours. It doesn't all go one way. So blame the hawks, not Obama. He's right.
18
Ugh. Israel is one thing. Bibi quite another.
4
Why can't she just be herself, for once? Be honest. Say what she wants to say. And let the chips fall where they may. Every transformation has failed because they are all transparent and so far the only thing people can count on is that Hillary will never be genuine. Will never have integrity.
41
She can't be herself and no president has been able to since JFK. Reagan was an actor, don't forget.
4
After all these years, and so many avatars - how could she, or anyone know who she really is now, other than granny?
That is her strategy now to be everything for everyday Americans every day! But Elephants (R) never forget, and they won't let America either.
That is her strategy now to be everything for everyday Americans every day! But Elephants (R) never forget, and they won't let America either.
1
Hillary, for whatever reason, is the consummate chameleon candidate, able to adopt a political viewpoint equal to any occasion, just like Slick Willy, her mentor and eminence grise.
1
As W put it so poetically:
Fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
Fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
20
W
Having had his poetical line used to a frazzle, might have had something to add at this stage. "Fools" comes to mind. We are a bunch of April Fools.
Having had his poetical line used to a frazzle, might have had something to add at this stage. "Fools" comes to mind. We are a bunch of April Fools.
1
Yes children, he was elected president--twice.
3
Yes, well so was the naked emperor. That is surely no claim to fame.
We want Hillary, in every way. Those GOP candidates doesn't have anything better over her. Go Hillary
136
Who's "We"? That's the usual groupthink in effect.
2
Well said, sparky... really. You might want to work on your syntax, though. My guess is that you're a Feminist Studies graduate of Cal Berkeley...or, perhaps, you went to Harvard graduate school.
she did nothing of note with foreign policy and I believe she and BO have made things much worse. Russia and the Middle East are a mess. Syria a disaster, Benghazi a disaster.
She is in bed with Wall Street and foreign donors to their foundation. She is a disaster.
Love a woman president biut NOT her.
She is in bed with Wall Street and foreign donors to their foundation. She is a disaster.
Love a woman president biut NOT her.
I was disappointed a bit reading Mr. Bruni's column that focused on the candidates personalities more than their policies or positions.
OTOH this column is par for the course - a lot of focus on style and personality with a dash of Hillary bashing.
OTOH this column is par for the course - a lot of focus on style and personality with a dash of Hillary bashing.
114
Chickenlover.....Yes, Expect more than a dash of bashing--Dowd is a habitual basher. Bruni and Dowd are style/celebrity/politics columnists. They're interested in personalities, in political fashion trends, not in positions/issuespro/con, and how they affect millions. They'll mention a policy if it leads to a gotcha scandal. They are an example of how the media can dumb down and sensationalize our politics. Yet they're on the opinion page of what's been called our most authoritative and prestigious newspaper.
8
Hilary has no policy statements to discuss, other than: "If you vote for me, can become the first woman president. And if that's doesn't impress you, let me be honest. I've waited long enough."
and Republican bashing.
How about some analysis about Hillary's policies? I mean, if we're going to be talking about her every week, I'd appreciate it more than snark.
761
I haven't heard her policies. All she's doing is running around bobbing heard head as if in agreement with a few hand picked citizens and teliing us she's running. What a joke.
2
She has not announced anything as far as policies go. She's running a campaign like a wanna be monarch.
2
Hillary has articulated a policy worthy of analysis?
2
It's really hard for us old GOP guys to figure out why anyone supports Hillary given her long history of lying, cheating and misleading her followers.
The only things she's accomplished is getting elected senator on her husbands' dubious coat tails and convincing Obama to make her secretary of state. In both jobs, she was underwhelming to all but her staff and crony leftists.
You can't call her a feminist because that is not what she is. You can't call her brilliant because she has done more dumb things than anyone on this thread.
And she sure isn't a political talent as she has shown time and again over the last 40 some years.
The only things she's accomplished is getting elected senator on her husbands' dubious coat tails and convincing Obama to make her secretary of state. In both jobs, she was underwhelming to all but her staff and crony leftists.
You can't call her a feminist because that is not what she is. You can't call her brilliant because she has done more dumb things than anyone on this thread.
And she sure isn't a political talent as she has shown time and again over the last 40 some years.
38
It is really hard for us old modern progressive guys to understand what kind of distorted thinking leads someone to support the GOP.
You want lies, just listen to Darrell Issa. Don't forget your latest leader and mission accomplished, or that great documented prevaricator who was "Not a crook." Then there was your little god, Ike that gave us Iran as it is today.
The GOP is the party of lies and distortions, and they learned it at the feet of Joseph Goebbels.
Hillary has noting to apologize for, what lies are you alluding to? AS for the leftist charge, a typical GOp ad hominum argument. You call people leftist without documentation, and have no idea what it is you are saying, just parroting what your handlers tel you to say.
You want lies, just listen to Darrell Issa. Don't forget your latest leader and mission accomplished, or that great documented prevaricator who was "Not a crook." Then there was your little god, Ike that gave us Iran as it is today.
The GOP is the party of lies and distortions, and they learned it at the feet of Joseph Goebbels.
Hillary has noting to apologize for, what lies are you alluding to? AS for the leftist charge, a typical GOp ad hominum argument. You call people leftist without documentation, and have no idea what it is you are saying, just parroting what your handlers tel you to say.
280
Hillary is going to show just how low democrats will actually stoop. Never mind holding their noses, democrats will have to check their morals and principles.
12
@AACNY--Based on your comments, I've formed the opinion that you dislike Hillary Clinton as much or more than Ms. Dowd.
21
When did we go from analysis to psychoanalysis when discussing Sen. Clinton. Isn't it enough that she now has a voting record, a string of serious accomplishments and views on almost any topic you can imagine? Must we also second guess every move she makes to see if her reasoning also passes some imaginary "thought police" profile? Sen. Clinton is one of the most outspoken people in the room. You don't need to back her into a corner to get her opinion and you don't need to put her on the couch to know why she has that opinion.
186
I think you're supposed to call her 'secretary." That was her last position.....and a VERY successful one it was.....carpetbagger senator was her PREVIOUS "eminently successful" position, before her abortive run for prsident, which was ruined by "that guy!"
And I have "views" on almost every topic imaginable. I don't continuously lie and cover up, though.....and I don't have hundreds of millions of dollars.....
And I have "views" on almost every topic imaginable. I don't continuously lie and cover up, though.....and I don't have hundreds of millions of dollars.....
2
Please list her accomplishments
3
But... but... she's a girl!!!
The old manner of evaluating candidates -- on the issues -- goes out the window. We got a GIRL competing here... something special for the old=timers who don't understand how these creatures keep escaping from the kitchens and bedrooms and into the workplace.
A girl president!
Imagine... next thing they'll be talking about putting a black in the White House.
The old manner of evaluating candidates -- on the issues -- goes out the window. We got a GIRL competing here... something special for the old=timers who don't understand how these creatures keep escaping from the kitchens and bedrooms and into the workplace.
A girl president!
Imagine... next thing they'll be talking about putting a black in the White House.
2
The Tumblr image is close.
In the fall of 2016, straightforward, firm talk about security needs and commitments with some adult-level "why" and not the pandering paranoia of the nationalist Right should work just fine. Complement honest talk about security and defense with a clear articulation of where our foreign policy is going, its goals, and what it might accomplish and she's there. It would be so refreshing! There's not another candidate running who can come close to Clinton in speaking this way.
When Clinton was a Senator, I watched a televised hearing of the Senate Armed Forces Committee. After listening to all the self-regarding, self-important male Senators drone on and on and on about this and that (stay with me, folks, in five more minutes I'll actually get to the question), Senator Clinton spoke clearly, asked sensible questions, made good points. She was so far ahead of the other Senators it still seems remarkable to me. One presumes she gave up her Senate seat to be Secretary of State with profound relief. Moving on to either president or grandma will be a big promotion for her.
In the fall of 2016, straightforward, firm talk about security needs and commitments with some adult-level "why" and not the pandering paranoia of the nationalist Right should work just fine. Complement honest talk about security and defense with a clear articulation of where our foreign policy is going, its goals, and what it might accomplish and she's there. It would be so refreshing! There's not another candidate running who can come close to Clinton in speaking this way.
When Clinton was a Senator, I watched a televised hearing of the Senate Armed Forces Committee. After listening to all the self-regarding, self-important male Senators drone on and on and on about this and that (stay with me, folks, in five more minutes I'll actually get to the question), Senator Clinton spoke clearly, asked sensible questions, made good points. She was so far ahead of the other Senators it still seems remarkable to me. One presumes she gave up her Senate seat to be Secretary of State with profound relief. Moving on to either president or grandma will be a big promotion for her.
113
Let's hope it is as a grandma that she moves in.
1
Re: "Complement honest talk about security and defense with a clear articulation of where our foreign policy is going, its goals, and what it might accomplish and she's there. "
Interesting. The 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide will be observed this April 24. Not by coincidence, the pope and the EU Parliament recently deplored the 2915 events as "genocide".
Back in 2008 Candidate Clinton announced (along with candidates Biden and Obama) that if elected she would reverse longstanding US policy and recognize the Turkish actions of 1915 as genocide. (Incidentally, in 2008 Candidate McCain backed the Bush et al policy of not antagonizing a key US ally).
Ahh, but that was then - Obama has yet to deliver on that promise, and as Secretary of State Ms. Clinton backed her boss.
But sure - we look forward to more of her straight talk on the campaign trail. And we have no doubt the Times will be asking her about this, even though it may lead to a bit of awkwardness.
Interesting. The 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide will be observed this April 24. Not by coincidence, the pope and the EU Parliament recently deplored the 2915 events as "genocide".
Back in 2008 Candidate Clinton announced (along with candidates Biden and Obama) that if elected she would reverse longstanding US policy and recognize the Turkish actions of 1915 as genocide. (Incidentally, in 2008 Candidate McCain backed the Bush et al policy of not antagonizing a key US ally).
Ahh, but that was then - Obama has yet to deliver on that promise, and as Secretary of State Ms. Clinton backed her boss.
But sure - we look forward to more of her straight talk on the campaign trail. And we have no doubt the Times will be asking her about this, even though it may lead to a bit of awkwardness.
Mr. Myers: Hilary "spoke clearly, asked sensible questions, made good points" and was "far ahead of the other Senators," but failed to see that zero evidence existed for Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. She voted in favor of the disastrous 2003 invasion of Iraq. Her vote played a part in the eventual death of thousands of U.S. service personnel and more than 100,000 Iraqis. You should never forget that fact.
2
Folks assessing Hillary's chances need to think about her senate campaign in New York.
She came into New York widely seen as an opportunist carpet-bagger, and there was very serious concern in Democratic circles that her campaign would be another Geraldine Ferrarro (for the senate nomination Schumer won) or Martha Coakley flameout.
Instead she ran a very steady campaign and had the great fortune that the Giuliani withdrew and the Republicans nominated Rick Lazio. 1500 characters couldn't list Lazio's blunders and foot-in-mouth moments. Rick was such a putz that he rarely campaigned off Long Island, and he made the unbelievable blunders of making a speech on Long Island describing those who opposed Pataki's state bailout of Suffolk County as "whiners" (this bailout of a corrupt rich Republican county machine is widely resented throughout the state to this day, but particularly resented in poorer western NY) ... and then stiffing the Women's Voter League of Syracuse with an last-minute excuse for why he couldn't show up ... and then getting photographed in the stands of a Islander's game.
Clinton clobbered Lazio: normally-Republican counties in western New York voted for her.
Those who think she will self-destruct need to look at the history, and look at the Republican candidates. So far, they look a lot like Lazio to me.
She came into New York widely seen as an opportunist carpet-bagger, and there was very serious concern in Democratic circles that her campaign would be another Geraldine Ferrarro (for the senate nomination Schumer won) or Martha Coakley flameout.
Instead she ran a very steady campaign and had the great fortune that the Giuliani withdrew and the Republicans nominated Rick Lazio. 1500 characters couldn't list Lazio's blunders and foot-in-mouth moments. Rick was such a putz that he rarely campaigned off Long Island, and he made the unbelievable blunders of making a speech on Long Island describing those who opposed Pataki's state bailout of Suffolk County as "whiners" (this bailout of a corrupt rich Republican county machine is widely resented throughout the state to this day, but particularly resented in poorer western NY) ... and then stiffing the Women's Voter League of Syracuse with an last-minute excuse for why he couldn't show up ... and then getting photographed in the stands of a Islander's game.
Clinton clobbered Lazio: normally-Republican counties in western New York voted for her.
Those who think she will self-destruct need to look at the history, and look at the Republican candidates. So far, they look a lot like Lazio to me.
211
Okay, Ms. Clinton's vote for the Iraq war was both wrong and overwrought, but it was one of the few really 'Hard Choices' she made in her otherwise soft-boiled book. There, buried in its 600-plus pages is the admission she voted in error for the war to proceed. It took real courage to put that in there, even if it is kind of difficult to find.
Heck, I bet even Kate McKinnon, still in her teens, voted hypothetically for the Iraq war. A lot of liberals did. They just don't like to talk about it now. Me, for example. I, too, recanted my Iraqi war vote in my 8-page policy paper entitled 'No Strays' where I declare my candidacy for the office of local dogcatcher. Don't laugh, Stray dogs can be a rabies menace. My campaign slogan is 'Conway is not going to the dogs under my watch'.)
Also, if a woman who is talking to me 'listens a lot, nods a lot, widens her eyes, and acts fascinated' with me, I'll pretty much do anything she asks me to do, short of signing up for Facebook to look at her cat and baby pictures. I might even vote for her. Unless she is running against me for local dogcatcher. That's where I draw the line.
My father always told me, 'Rob, vote for yourself first' and that is how I got one vote for class President in high school. I've been on a winning streak ever since then. Vote for me, America. I won't let it go to the dogs. I'm Rob Little, and I approve this message. Paid for by my NY Times subscription fee.
34
Mr. Robin P Little
One vote for you before America goes to the dogs. It is all pots and pans, as far as this American is concerned, and this voter wants a President who is brighter, better educated, experienced and knowledgeable with a vision for the future of our Country, than one of us folks, and in possession of a heart and passion to go along with it. Mrs. Clinton, to keep on truckin'.
One vote for you before America goes to the dogs. It is all pots and pans, as far as this American is concerned, and this voter wants a President who is brighter, better educated, experienced and knowledgeable with a vision for the future of our Country, than one of us folks, and in possession of a heart and passion to go along with it. Mrs. Clinton, to keep on truckin'.
4
"Can’t Hillary find a balance between an overdose of testosterone and an overdose of estrogen, between Macho Man and Humble Granny?"
And can't Maureen Dowd find a balance between an overdose of criticizing HIllary and an underdose of even thinking about, let alone writing about, the 15+ declared or waiting in the wings to declare Republicans?
I'm not trying to be cute here. But I am getting sick of this columnists one-sided columns against any Democratic politician--sitting or aspiring to sit- when there are also worthy candidates on the right that go begging for some reality checks.
Look, I'm not a huge fan of Hillary, but it looks as if that's all the Democrats have right now. And I'll take her, warts and baggage and all, above any of the seriously warped clowns on the right with their warts and baggage in abundance. No matter what she does, she gets attacked on all sides. Fair enough, she put herself in that position.
But a little equal time for equal crime might be useful here, as long as it's going to be a long, long, long race.
And can't Maureen Dowd find a balance between an overdose of criticizing HIllary and an underdose of even thinking about, let alone writing about, the 15+ declared or waiting in the wings to declare Republicans?
I'm not trying to be cute here. But I am getting sick of this columnists one-sided columns against any Democratic politician--sitting or aspiring to sit- when there are also worthy candidates on the right that go begging for some reality checks.
Look, I'm not a huge fan of Hillary, but it looks as if that's all the Democrats have right now. And I'll take her, warts and baggage and all, above any of the seriously warped clowns on the right with their warts and baggage in abundance. No matter what she does, she gets attacked on all sides. Fair enough, she put herself in that position.
But a little equal time for equal crime might be useful here, as long as it's going to be a long, long, long race.
739
Perhaps the problem is that none of those 15+ clowns deserves to be taken seriously.
Eventually the Republicans will pick a clown. Then we'll have a serious problem to discuss.
Eventually the Republicans will pick a clown. Then we'll have a serious problem to discuss.
7
And I'll take her, warts and baggage and all, above any of the seriously warped clowns on the right with their warts and baggage in abundance.
Will someone else please appear. This is the sorriest bunch running on both sides in my lifetime.
Will someone else please appear. This is the sorriest bunch running on both sides in my lifetime.
8
Oh please. Maureen is an equal party basher. Look back at her column during W's admin or during Bill's. That's her schtick and why people read her including you.
2
College Kids Are Asked Why Hillary Should Be President. They All Come Up With The Exact. Same. Response.
See:
http://www.ijreview.com/2015/04/300054-college-kids-are-asked-why-hillar...
When questioned why they’d support a second Clinton presidency, students’ responses ranged from “She’s a woman, and that’s literally all,” to “Because it’s time to have a female president.”
Few if any responded concerning her 'achievements' or policy goals. Of which few people know anyway.
The electorate this time around in 2016 may well be seeking a 'first grand mother'. God help America if the electorate gets what it wants.
Politicians now are actors in the truest sense of the word: until they get elected, ... and then many pols become bigger egoists than when they started.
Travelgate and the impeachment of Bill will seem like small potatoes.
What a roller coaster ride we are in for!
Let's hope the field of candidates for both Republican and Democratic parties opens up with a viable candidate other than those in the running officially now.
See:
http://www.ijreview.com/2015/04/300054-college-kids-are-asked-why-hillar...
When questioned why they’d support a second Clinton presidency, students’ responses ranged from “She’s a woman, and that’s literally all,” to “Because it’s time to have a female president.”
Few if any responded concerning her 'achievements' or policy goals. Of which few people know anyway.
The electorate this time around in 2016 may well be seeking a 'first grand mother'. God help America if the electorate gets what it wants.
Politicians now are actors in the truest sense of the word: until they get elected, ... and then many pols become bigger egoists than when they started.
Travelgate and the impeachment of Bill will seem like small potatoes.
What a roller coaster ride we are in for!
Let's hope the field of candidates for both Republican and Democratic parties opens up with a viable candidate other than those in the running officially now.
18
Because the pundits and many citizens are blinded by Hillary Clinton's gender, they fail to see that she does have policy positions. All politicians have pasts. What is amazing is that Clinton's are examined so endlessly and microscopically. It turns out that Colin Powell and Jeb Bush have also used personal email accounts while in office but when Clinton does it… well … OMG!!!!!
The fact that she is a woman and a grandmother is really irrelevant compared to the fact that she has been a Senator, a Secretary of State, a working lawyer with historical bona fides, President of her class at Wellsley, and also a former First Lady of the United States. We should be looking at her accomplishments or lack of them and what she would propose to do if elected. Many Presidents have been parents and grandparents. BFD.
The fact that she is a woman and a grandmother is really irrelevant compared to the fact that she has been a Senator, a Secretary of State, a working lawyer with historical bona fides, President of her class at Wellsley, and also a former First Lady of the United States. We should be looking at her accomplishments or lack of them and what she would propose to do if elected. Many Presidents have been parents and grandparents. BFD.
30
Oh, please. How politically aware were you in college? I sure wasn't! I voted in the presidential election, and knew which party I thought represented me, but there is WAY too much going on in a college student's life for most to be politically cognizant. Heck, 3/4 of the country isn't politically cognizant as adults!
5
Preach it, Barbara!
4
The vast majority of people trust and revere grandmothers as much or more than anyone else they know. A grandmother is thought to be wise, honest and true to who she is and someone who is looked to as an example for future generations. You are easily comfortable in her presence and secure. Who could find fault with a grandmother? This seems to be the logic behind Hillary '16's campaign strategy; it is meant to strike at the heart of one of her bigger liabilities: that she is not trustworthy. All grandmothers are trustworthy and HRC is now a grandma, so you should trust her, too! Pay no attention to that personal email server.
Clinton has long frustrated many of her admirers and scores of columnists with her propensity to commit stupid unforced errors, usually involving excessive secrecy, that too often detract and take valuable time away from her earnest, important messages because she has to explain why she tried to conceal something from the public, not merely grandstanding partisans. It doesn't matter if you act humble when people still don't trust you.
We're again left wondering, as some have noted in the past, if Hillary really can "let it go." Aside from expressing understandable exasperation, she's never unloaded on her Benghazi critics. She still clings too tightly to Wall Street despite her Main Street upbringing. Her administration would be the most family-friendly ever, though, which is in part why so many of her admirers put up with the occasional nonsense.
Clinton has long frustrated many of her admirers and scores of columnists with her propensity to commit stupid unforced errors, usually involving excessive secrecy, that too often detract and take valuable time away from her earnest, important messages because she has to explain why she tried to conceal something from the public, not merely grandstanding partisans. It doesn't matter if you act humble when people still don't trust you.
We're again left wondering, as some have noted in the past, if Hillary really can "let it go." Aside from expressing understandable exasperation, she's never unloaded on her Benghazi critics. She still clings too tightly to Wall Street despite her Main Street upbringing. Her administration would be the most family-friendly ever, though, which is in part why so many of her admirers put up with the occasional nonsense.
10
That's it? She's a grandmother? That's the qualifier for president?
Based on her wooden press, you'd think she was the first and only grandmother in America. That's why we should voye for someone with no accomplishments and no known/disclosed policy position on any point? I know where Elisabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders stand and I don't care if they have grandchildren.
Based on her wooden press, you'd think she was the first and only grandmother in America. That's why we should voye for someone with no accomplishments and no known/disclosed policy position on any point? I know where Elisabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders stand and I don't care if they have grandchildren.
6
Mrs. Clinton has been on the national stage for approximately a quarter-century, yet the continuous morphing, reinventing, making-over, remessaging, pirouetting and rebranding leave a citizen to wonder what her core beliefs really are, or whether she even has any.
Amid this second campaign of inevitability and artificiality, the distinct impression is that everything can be glibly, expediently, even shamelessly triangulated and that no issue is important enough to require a consistently firm, clear, principled stand. The only constant is the opportunism.
What the Scooby van contrivance and the stage-managed "spontaneity" photo ops speak to more than anything else is that the image transformers are running the show, not the supposed leader. Which hardly inspires confidence.
By the time the 2016 election rolls around, Mrs. Clinton will be 69 years old. And at this late date, it's more than a little unsettling that she still has to rely on her handlers for ever-changing answers to the question "Who am I?"
Amid this second campaign of inevitability and artificiality, the distinct impression is that everything can be glibly, expediently, even shamelessly triangulated and that no issue is important enough to require a consistently firm, clear, principled stand. The only constant is the opportunism.
What the Scooby van contrivance and the stage-managed "spontaneity" photo ops speak to more than anything else is that the image transformers are running the show, not the supposed leader. Which hardly inspires confidence.
By the time the 2016 election rolls around, Mrs. Clinton will be 69 years old. And at this late date, it's more than a little unsettling that she still has to rely on her handlers for ever-changing answers to the question "Who am I?"
36
There is also the unsettling appearance that Hillary has to travel around and ask people what is important to them. Might she not be expected to have some idea already?
Nah. Everyone knows she's done so much polling that she already knows what's important to a majority of voters and her every word is so highly scripted that those poor people are little more than "props".
Nah. Everyone knows she's done so much polling that she already knows what's important to a majority of voters and her every word is so highly scripted that those poor people are little more than "props".
7
Mrs. Clinton is trying a different campaign strategy. If a man did it, he would be lauded as growing and learning. She has not said she is not the same person, just that she is approaching her run differently this time, and she should! Last time she didn't win. Listening to the electorate? How dare she!
23
Memo to AACNY: What is unsettling is the GOP!
7
Worry not, Ms Dowd. Hillary may not be Snow White - or the Evil Queen for that matter - but she can dispatch the seven dwarfs quite handily
512
Hillary supported Bush on Iraq (which directly led to the rise of ISIS), either because she was too stupid to see through his ruse, or because she was too cowardly to stand to him, or because she simply didn't want to take a stand for her own personal agenda.
3
If you really believe you that, I guarantee you're going to be sitting shiva on Election Night 2016. I cordially recommend you leave your comfort zone and Google, for one, Ted Cruz's bio sometime--that alone should give you cold sweats.
5
Seriously? Do you have that much faith she can rally the welfare Democrat base to turn out the vote in swing Southern states? I don't see it.
3
18 more months of this?
Barack Obama a "feminized man"?
The one thing Hillary has going for, and on this even the acerbic Maureen Dowd would agree, is that she is light years better than anyone the other party is offering.
I just wish Maureen would get rid of her white whale obsession with Ms. Clinton.
Just let it go, Maureen, like the song.
Barack Obama a "feminized man"?
The one thing Hillary has going for, and on this even the acerbic Maureen Dowd would agree, is that she is light years better than anyone the other party is offering.
I just wish Maureen would get rid of her white whale obsession with Ms. Clinton.
Just let it go, Maureen, like the song.
857
Isn't a problem two years out for us to be going to the lesser of two evils argument? I'd really really like to vote FOR someone. Because I believe in her (or him).
2
Did I miss it or did Maureen state who she is supporting for President in 2017? Just asking????
She lets us know weekly who she is NOT supporting....doesn't she?
And to think she went to (The) Immaculata High School in Washington, D.C.!
She lets us know weekly who she is NOT supporting....doesn't she?
And to think she went to (The) Immaculata High School in Washington, D.C.!
25
Amen!
36
Hillary Clinton is becoming a parody of herself. It's hard to be taken seriously when you're late-nite comedy fodder, especially when the sketches practically write themselves. Republicans may lack imagination, but Hillary is handing them the key to her defeat by demonstrating an almost comic lack of authenticity.
The only good that can come of this is the slowly simmering disenchantment that she seems to be generating in her likely supporters. It may encourage other Democratic candidates to step forward, and provide voters with someone they can rally behind.
Republicans can trot out any goofy character, and they can become viable candidates. Hillary can't be the sole salvation of democracy. There must be others, but it seems as though we've somehow gotten the idea that Hillary is The One. Not necessarily. Her weaknesses may well set the stage for a real battle, which may also encourage her to drop the act and get real.
The only good that can come of this is the slowly simmering disenchantment that she seems to be generating in her likely supporters. It may encourage other Democratic candidates to step forward, and provide voters with someone they can rally behind.
Republicans can trot out any goofy character, and they can become viable candidates. Hillary can't be the sole salvation of democracy. There must be others, but it seems as though we've somehow gotten the idea that Hillary is The One. Not necessarily. Her weaknesses may well set the stage for a real battle, which may also encourage her to drop the act and get real.
64
A confusing comment at best......So, you think she has the potential to be viable but only if she gets "real"? This is American Presidential politics....what's real? Indeed, our choices aren't great but I would MUCH prefer Hillary Clinton as president than ANY Republican.....ANY!
140
Junior Bush was already self-parody by the Time he was selected by the Supremes to be the President in 2000. Hillary is simply trying to manage the impossibly shallow level of political reporting these days. If it came to a campaigning that required *actually* debating issues, only she, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren would remain standing. ALL of the Republicans would wilt away. Those three would be able to get to most sides of most key political issues. Why the Times fails to notice this is a mystery to me.
26
This is the sort of psychobabble that we are to condemned to reading for the 18 months, where every person with not even half the sense of identity or presence or, yes, authenticity of Hillary Clinton will be accusing her of lacking one!
17
Dear cozy sweet tempered Maureen.
A serpent's tooth would be less keen,
Hillary's bound to get it
With no one to vet it,
With dear Maureen at her most mean.
Whatever Hill' does is no good
That should be clearly understood
Too sour or too sweet,
With venom replete,
Maureen is applying the wood.
A serpent's tooth would be less keen,
Hillary's bound to get it
With no one to vet it,
With dear Maureen at her most mean.
Whatever Hill' does is no good
That should be clearly understood
Too sour or too sweet,
With venom replete,
Maureen is applying the wood.
288
Larry, while I generally enjoy your limericks, this one I found a little off-base. In fact, while reading Ms. Dowd's column to the bitter end (actually this time not as bad or bitter as others), I thought "my God' Ms. Dowd is actually giving Clinton a break! This does not, of course, erase from memory her generally acerbic comments about Clinton or Obama, but held out, for me at least, that she might end up being fair. Surely Hillary at her most absurd, is light years ahead, in ability, of the Looney Tunes currently making the rounds in the Republican circles.
2
Maybe Hillary could govern in the meme of " bitch is the new black ", but it seems doubtful that's the way to get the desirable high Democratic turn-out, or the needed Independent vote.
As has been said many times before, governing is not the same as campaigning, and Hillary choosing to highlight different parts of her personality is not deceitful in any way - it's something smart that people do in the real world every day.
Besides, no one thinks the lady isn't tough.
We just hope she's able to impress voters what's at stake; electing her is a chance at an Obama 3rd term or even a Clinton 3rd term policy-wise, whereas a GOP'er would bring on a Dubya 3rd term policy-wise, since GOP'ers have made no pretense of turning from the policies of '01-'09.
We think we know what most voters would choose.
As has been said many times before, governing is not the same as campaigning, and Hillary choosing to highlight different parts of her personality is not deceitful in any way - it's something smart that people do in the real world every day.
Besides, no one thinks the lady isn't tough.
We just hope she's able to impress voters what's at stake; electing her is a chance at an Obama 3rd term or even a Clinton 3rd term policy-wise, whereas a GOP'er would bring on a Dubya 3rd term policy-wise, since GOP'ers have made no pretense of turning from the policies of '01-'09.
We think we know what most voters would choose.
204
Electing a GOPer this time will not just be like a GW 3rd term. It will be much worse has the whole party has shifted to the extreme right over the last 8 years and has gotten really nutty. Ted Cruz would not only be a bad president policy wise, he would be downright scary - in a way I've never sensed for other GOPers before.
45
Job is doing awesome in the polls.
An Obama 3rd term? May the good Lord have mercy on us all.
1
The only thing possibly worse than the GOP misogynists attacking Hillary is Hillary's supporters accusing progressives of being anti-feminist if we choose not to support her based purely upon her XX bona fides. Willingly impaling myself on falling glass ceiling shards and then washing myself pink with trickle-down corporate feminism is not my idea of democracy.
Then there's the dire warning that unless we vote the We Suck Less party, progressives will be totally to blame for the collapse of civilization. Not to mention the transformation of the Supreme Court into a Black Mass cult of neoliberal theocratists. We certainly don't want to risk another Harriet Miers.
We're already being pre-Naderized, and the "free" election is a year and a half away.
Elizabeth Warren, though not a candidate, is nonetheless waging a highly effective issues campaign against Hillary. She's come out strongly against the TPP, and this week again called for the breaking up of the Too Big to Fail criminal banking cartel. Yes, Hillary has chided Wall Street, but they all know it's part of the game. They know she doesn't really mean it.
Meanwhile, fast food workers are striking and black lives are mattering and wages are starting to rise. Not because of Hillary or any other politician, but because of ourselves.
I plan on concentrating on my state and local elections where I might still make a difference. The national contest is already is a predetermined sham.
http://kmgarcia2000.blogspot.com/
Then there's the dire warning that unless we vote the We Suck Less party, progressives will be totally to blame for the collapse of civilization. Not to mention the transformation of the Supreme Court into a Black Mass cult of neoliberal theocratists. We certainly don't want to risk another Harriet Miers.
We're already being pre-Naderized, and the "free" election is a year and a half away.
Elizabeth Warren, though not a candidate, is nonetheless waging a highly effective issues campaign against Hillary. She's come out strongly against the TPP, and this week again called for the breaking up of the Too Big to Fail criminal banking cartel. Yes, Hillary has chided Wall Street, but they all know it's part of the game. They know she doesn't really mean it.
Meanwhile, fast food workers are striking and black lives are mattering and wages are starting to rise. Not because of Hillary or any other politician, but because of ourselves.
I plan on concentrating on my state and local elections where I might still make a difference. The national contest is already is a predetermined sham.
http://kmgarcia2000.blogspot.com/
139
Sanctimony in the name of progressivism is no vice...
No strong Hillary supporter here, either. But if Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, or Marco Rubio becomes president, you'd be very well advised to focus on state and local politics. Because the national scene will be a nightmare--and yes, that will include the Supreme Court.
No strong Hillary supporter here, either. But if Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, or Marco Rubio becomes president, you'd be very well advised to focus on state and local politics. Because the national scene will be a nightmare--and yes, that will include the Supreme Court.
398
Thank you NA. Karen Garcia is a smart person but she, too, is blinded by ideology! Our choices ain't great. Vote for Hillary!
72
I think thou have things backwards. It was the rest of the country that was "Naderized." "Pre-Naderizing" is the denunciation of all political parties as the same, before the actual "Naderizing" on the day of the presidential election.
9
I thought Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in 2012 suffered from, "Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up?" I think Hillary Clinton ought to be careful about making herself open to the criticism that we really don't know who she really is anymore, through tacking this way and that to please some theory or another about what will get her elected.
18
The point of "will the real Hilary please stand up" continues.
4
You should ask "Does Hillary want anyone to know the real Hillary?"
2
There was nor is any real Mitt Romney. He's the biggest fake of all time.
10
Does Ms. Clinton support the TPP trade agreement? That issue is much more important than the personal dynamics of her political campaign. But why write about substantive policy issues that will actually affect our lives?
Call your Congressperson and Senators on Monday expressing your opposition to the TPP and fast track legislation. There is no reason we should support a trade agreement written by hundreds of corporate lobbyists that was negotiated in secret. It is undemocratic and a job killer. Past trade agreements have not benefited the public and this one is no different--probably even worse.
Call your Congressperson and Senators on Monday expressing your opposition to the TPP and fast track legislation. There is no reason we should support a trade agreement written by hundreds of corporate lobbyists that was negotiated in secret. It is undemocratic and a job killer. Past trade agreements have not benefited the public and this one is no different--probably even worse.
86
I call the offices of Congressmen Gibson and Senators Schumer & Gillibrand frequently but I think it's time to call their offices at least once a week. I think I'll start reminding whomever answers the phone, it is people like me, a middle class American, who pay their salaries and those of their bosses through our tax dollars. Maybe if they heard from voters on a weekly basis, they might start to realize how much they need to listen to us if they want to continue to get our votes.
46
Yes Hilary has shown support for TPP.
And we should all call our senators to complain about it.
And we should all call our senators to complain about it.
4
Yes, we know we won't get TPP talk with Dowd and Bruni, but which regular columnists ARE writing about it on this op ed page? I've seen 2 outside contributors only.
9
"She can’t figure out how to campaign as a woman."
She shouldn't. True feminism isn't a preference of the feminine over the masculine. It's preference of excellence over mediocrity; achievement over failure, fairness over injustice, impartiality over prejudice, populism over cronyism.
So far, my observation of the direction the campaign is going is that all the right noises are almost being made. They all fall short of a full commitment.
My advice to voters, in anticipation of at least some kind of primary, is to read the fine print - all of it, and not how others interpret it for you.
---
On my blog: I am not ready for Hillary: am I still a feminist?
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/03/election-2016-a-new-era-for-feminism-an...
She shouldn't. True feminism isn't a preference of the feminine over the masculine. It's preference of excellence over mediocrity; achievement over failure, fairness over injustice, impartiality over prejudice, populism over cronyism.
So far, my observation of the direction the campaign is going is that all the right noises are almost being made. They all fall short of a full commitment.
My advice to voters, in anticipation of at least some kind of primary, is to read the fine print - all of it, and not how others interpret it for you.
---
On my blog: I am not ready for Hillary: am I still a feminist?
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/03/election-2016-a-new-era-for-feminism-an...
22
Read the fine and LARGE print on the rethugliklans.
3
Actually, @mtrav, I have them totally Xed out.
3
Rima.....Maybe it's even not worth it to bother discussing Dowd's feminist preoccupation with Hillary in our politics. If we ignore, it, it might lessen a bit.
Do you know how many countries have already elected woman heads of state? Easy to find on web, it's a lot. MIght make a good column topic.
We are way behind the times, and Dowd is even behind most US voter opinion. She's fanning the flames of 1970s feminist battles, trying to rake up hostility wherever possible, and can't get beyond that. So she magnifies the wrong aspect, and misses the big issues.
Do you know how many countries have already elected woman heads of state? Easy to find on web, it's a lot. MIght make a good column topic.
We are way behind the times, and Dowd is even behind most US voter opinion. She's fanning the flames of 1970s feminist battles, trying to rake up hostility wherever possible, and can't get beyond that. So she magnifies the wrong aspect, and misses the big issues.
11
If your going to play the humble card, the people want a slurring and slack jawed Bill Clinton, all down-home and funky, chuckling about McDonalds, guffawing about Arkansas, playing the sax on Arsenio Hall. We want our Clintons deep fired, not served on a designer platter with faux chicken nuggets We see through that ruse.